Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: I can have this dish on the table in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

• One-Pan Wonder: I appreciate that everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.

• Versatile: I often pair it with different sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to suit my mood.

• Restaurant-Quality: The creamy garlic sauce makes it feel like a dish from a fine dining restaurant, right in my own kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

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

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, I toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.

2. Sear the Shrimp: I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. I then remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. I add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. I then stir in the chicken broth or white wine, allowing it to simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add Cream and Cheese: I pour in the heavy cream, stirring thoroughly. I add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, simmering for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine & Serve: I return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. I let them simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes until heated through.

6. Garnish & Enjoy: I sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve it hot with my choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: I sometimes add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, I increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Cheese Options: I occasionally substitute Parmesan with white cheddar or Asiago cheese for a different taste profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: I reheat the shrimp gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

• Freezing: I avoid freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I substitute with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Is it necessary to use white wine?

No, I often use chicken broth as an alternative to white wine, which still provides depth to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer to cook it fresh, but I sometimes prepare the sauce in advance and add freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with this dish?

I enjoy serving it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its creamy sauce and tender shrimp, it’s a recipe that I find myself returning to time and again.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

An easy, flavorful dinner made in just 15 minutes! This creamy garlic shrimp is rich with Parmesan, Italian herbs, and a buttery sauce—perfect for weeknights or romantic meals.

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

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

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season the Shrimp:
Toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (1 minute). Pour in chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve:
Return shrimp to the skillet. Simmer 2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your choice of side.

 

Notes

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free options.

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a complete meal.

Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for a spicier version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéed
• Cuisine: American