Irresistibly Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Summer nights call for quick, mouthwatering garlic shrimp that dance with incredible flavor.

Succulent seafood becomes a kitchen staple when prepared this simply.

Coastal memories flood back with each tender, garlicky bite.

Fragrant herbs and rich butter create magic in mere minutes.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking doesn’t require complex techniques or endless ingredients.

Weeknight dinners transform into luxurious experiences with minimal effort.

Savor every moment of this effortless culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your plate.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Made in Just 15 Minutes

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality shrimp dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only a few pantry staples like butter, garlic, and cream, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks with limited ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy elements through Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, creating a complex taste profile that feels gourmet yet simple.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce, transforming this recipe into a complete meal that adapts to different dining preferences.

Garlic Shrimp (Creamy, Easy) Ingredients

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that cooks quickly, best when fresh and deveined.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich sauce base.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and sauce creation.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor essential to the dish's character.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance natural shrimp taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal notes and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle herb taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial shrimp cooking with high heat tolerance.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp 15-Minute Quick Steps

Step 1: Sizzle the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the shrimp and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Using the same skillet, melt butter until it’s bubbling and golden.

Drop in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds to release their incredible fragrance and develop deep flavors.

Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth (or white wine) into the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a velvety smooth sauce.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss them in the creamy sauce, allowing them to warm through for another 1-2 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 15 minutes.

Garlic Shrimp – Quick Cooking Tips

• Watch carefully and remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
• Use high-quality, fresh shrimp and real Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and authentic creamy sauce consistency.
• Adjust sauce by adding more cream to thin or simmering longer to thicken, depending on your preferred consistency.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to create mild or spicy versions that suit different taste preferences.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still delivers rich, creamy results.

Reheat Creamy Garlic Shrimp Right

• Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid keeping seafood longer to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety.
• Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Careful not to overcook, which can make shrimp tough.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce moisture. Stir continuously for even heating, about 2-3 minutes.
• Consume reheated shrimp within 24 hours. Discard if sauce separates or shrimp smells off. Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces can break down and lose texture.

What Tastes Great With Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce's richness while balancing the garlic's bold flavor.
• Serve alongside Garlic Herb Focaccia: Create a perfect dipping bread to soak up the luxurious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary herbal notes.
• Match with Zesty Arugula Salad: Prepare a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the cream's heaviness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the shrimp's richness.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Grill thin asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to add a crisp vegetable side that provides subtle earthiness against the creamy seafood dish.

Garlic Shrimp With Creamy Sauce In Just 15 Minutes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables, perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, lactose-free version suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based shrimp alternatives, maintaining the same garlic cream sauce while creating a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a more intense heat level in their creamy garlic sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when shrimp are properly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and thick. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or coconut milk.

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large shrimp (16-20 count) are ideal. They cook quickly and provide a nice texture. Peeled and deveined shrimp save preparation time.

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp promises a Mediterranean feast in just 15 minutes, dancing with rich flavors and elegant simplicity. Succulent shrimp swim in a silky sauce, inviting home cooks to savor restaurant-quality magic without complex techniques.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Cream:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
2. Season the shrimp with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, then gently place them into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to transform into a vibrant pink hue within 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their pristine temperature and texture.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes a silky liquid, creating a rich foundation for the upcoming flavors.
5. Introduce minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly to release their aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized remnants from the skillet’s surface.
7. Incorporate heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, zesty lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, whisking the ingredients into a luxurious, harmonious sauce.
8. Allow the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken, developing a velvety consistency that will embrace the shrimp.
9. Carefully return the reserved shrimp to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the creamy mixture and warming them through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
10. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
11. Serve immediately, presenting a tantalizing blend of tender shrimp nestled in a rich, creamy garlic sauce.

Notes

• Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
• Reduce spiciness by cutting down red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for sensitive palates.
• Choose wild-caught shrimp over farm-raised for better sustainability and cleaner taste experience.
• Quickly pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve golden-brown edges and prevent steaming instead of searing.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg