Creamy garlic shrimp is one of those dinners I make when I want something that feels fancy but I absolutely do not want to spend a lot of time cooking. If you have ever had one of those days where you are tired, hungry, and still want a really good meal, this recipe is for you.
This creamy garlic shrimp comes together in just 15 minutes, uses one pan, and tastes like something you would order at a restaurant. Tender shrimp simmered in a garlicky cream sauce is always a win in my kitchen. I love serving it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that sauce.
Jump to:
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
I always laugh a little when someone says they cannot cook. I truly believe anyone can make something delicious with the right recipe. This creamy garlic shrimp is proof of that. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and big flavor.
Why You Will Want To Make This Dish
- Super easy and quick, perfect for busy or lazy nights
- Made in one pan, which means fewer dishes
- Rich, creamy, and full of garlic flavor
- Easy to customize with veggies or extra seasoning
Ingredients
For The Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For The Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Season The Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is well coated.
Step 2: Sear The Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make The Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add Cream And Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine And Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Garnish And Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve right away with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips And Variations
- Add onions or bell peppers for extra flavor
- Sun dried tomatoes are amazing in this sauce
- Use half and half for a slightly lighter sauce
- Serve over zucchini noodles for a low carb option
I have tweaked this recipe at home a few times, and it always turns out amazing. Still, the original version is a must try.
FAQs
Yes. Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
This dish is great with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
It is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days and reheated gently.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy, creamy garlic shrimp is a fast yet fancy dinner you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Juicy shrimp coated in a garlicky cream sauce, all made in one pan—perfect with pasta, rice, or bread for a gourmet meal without the fuss.
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
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth or wine and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream, then add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Combine & Serve: Return shrimp to skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer 2 more minutes on low heat until warmed through.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a full meal.
Notes
This recipe is quick, indulgent, and easy to customize. Try adding onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. One-pan, 15-minute magic for any night of the week!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
More Recipes You May Like
- How to Make the Best Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta in Under 30 Minutes
- Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic shrimp is one of my favorite quick dinners. It feels special, tastes incredible, and comes together faster than takeout. If you try it, let me know what you think. I have a feeling this one will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Comments
No Comments