If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the perfect choice! This dish features tender, juicy shrimp simmered in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or with Cottage Cheese Flatbread to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor – The garlic-infused sauce is absolutely irresistible!
- Quick & easy – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even with low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
- Perfect for any occasion – Fancy enough for date night, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
- One-pan recipe – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
What Does Creamy Garlic Shrimp Taste Like?
Imagine plump, succulent shrimp coated in a buttery, garlicky cream sauce with just a hint of Parmesan. The sauce is smooth, rich, and bursting with flavor—garlic lovers, this one’s for you! A touch of lemon adds brightness, while the Parmesan gives it a slightly nutty, savory depth. Every bite is pure comfort food perfection!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup white wine (for extra depth in the sauce)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for chopping
- Tongs (for flipping shrimp)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
1. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Cottage Cheese Flatbread – A protein-packed, healthy bread option for dipping.
- Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – A rich, garlicky pasta dish if you want a surf & turf vibe.
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – A crispy, cheesy side that pairs perfectly with this creamy dish.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy and comforting!
- Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice – A low-carb option.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a couple of minutes per side—overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Use fresh garlic. It makes a huge difference in flavor!
- Add more Parmesan if needed. It thickens the sauce and adds extra richness.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Deglaze with white wine. It enhances the depth of the sauce beautifully!
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.
Final Thoughts – Creamy, Garlicky & So Easy!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the ultimate quick and delicious dinner that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or on its own, this dish is sure to impress!
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to pin it for later and share your creations on social media.
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Enjoy every bite! 🍤🧄💛
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes per side to stay tender.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine instead of broth.
- Want a thicker sauce? Add more Parmesan or let it simmer a bit longer.
- Lighten it up by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Great with: Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!