If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant, this creamy garlic shrimp recipe is just what you need! In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a special dinner. Trust me, this one is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Let me tell you why this creamy garlic shrimp will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. First, it’s ridiculously easy and fast—ready in just 15 minutes! The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the creamy garlic sauce is rich and comforting without being too heavy. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Plus, if you’re a garlic lover (who isn’t?), this dish will be your new best friend.
And, it’s a great dish to pair with a variety of sides—from pasta to rice or even a simple green salad. Whether you’re serving it to guests or making it just for yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients can be found below)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Garlic (lots of garlic!)
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Start by prepping the shrimp. If they’re not already peeled and deveined, take care of that now. It’s really the only “prep” you’ll need to do for this dish, which makes it even easier. Once they’re ready, season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter quickly!
3. Cook the Shrimp
Now, toss the shrimp into the skillet with the garlic and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. You’ll want to get that lovely golden brown on both sides for extra flavor.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Once your shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, melt some butter and then pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious garlic bits stuck to the pan. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely.
5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Add the shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss everything together. Let the shrimp heat through and absorb some of that rich, creamy goodness. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and a little extra flavor.
6. Serve!
Serve this creamy garlic shrimp over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetable. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but it won’t be as thick or creamy.
- If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Don’t overcook your shrimp—2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute chicken or even scallops. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for different proteins.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pasta: A simple linguine or spaghetti works wonders with the sauce.
- Rice: Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair it with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, be careful not to overheat, as the shrimp can become tough. Warm it up gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to help loosen up the sauce.
4 FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can affect the sauce. - What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic will give you the best flavor. Start with about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a substitute. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead, but I recommend reheating it gently so it doesn’t break. Add a little extra cream to bring it back to its original texture. - How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they’re pink and opaque. They should curl into a “C” shape, not a tight “O.”
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this easy creamy garlic shrimp recipe as much as I do! It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in a rush or treating yourself to something special, this dish is a winner every time. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side, and you’re good to go!
Print
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Seafood, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The creamy garlic sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 1 lb (about 450g)
- Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240ml)
- Butter – 2 tbsp (28g)
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup (50g), freshly grated
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. - Sauté Garlic
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. - Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and golden brown. - Make the Creamy Sauce
Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter, add heavy cream, and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens. - Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing with the sauce to coat. - Serve
Serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream (though the sauce will be thinner).
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—aim for 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 230mg