Creamy Garlic Shrimp a tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal. This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner without the hassle. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a perfect last-minute meal.
Rich and flavorful – The creamy garlic sauce is packed with depth and deliciousness.
Versatile – It pairs well with pasta, rice, or even low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
Restaurant-quality at home – This dish feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce. Allow them to heat through for another 2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
Make it spicier – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Lighter version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch.
Add veggies – Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Use a different protein – This sauce works beautifully with chicken or scallops.
Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the shrimp can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. I recommend eating it fresh for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so I watch closely.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! I thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water for a few minutes before cooking. Patting them dry helps prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
I love serving this with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice work great too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but I can prepare the sauce in advance and quickly cook the shrimp when ready to serve.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmering longer usually thickens it, but I can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little water before adding it).
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp is one of my go-to recipes for a quick yet luxurious meal. The rich sauce, tender shrimp, and burst of garlic flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether paired with pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of home.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and indulgent meal ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, the luscious sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and cream pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing in the creamy sauce. Heat for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
Spicier version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half or a milk-cornstarch mix.
Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work well.
Different protein: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
