There’s a certain comfort that comes from a steaming plate of Creamy Garlic Shrimp, don’t you agree? The first time I tried this dish, the rich aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with creamy hints of Parmesan made my kitchen feel like a cozy gourmet bistro. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my household—not just for its incredible flavor but also for its ease.
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Perfectly seared shrimp bathed in a velvety sauce can elevate even the most routine dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or preparing a feast for friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it only requires 25 minutes of your time, making it the ideal solution for those weeknight dinners when you want something homemade but haven’t planned ahead.
Ready to dive into comforting indulgence? Let’s bring the taste of a restaurant right to your dining table!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is incredibly easy to prepare, with just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- The rich and savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan create a comforting dish that is sure to impress.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it over pasta, rice, or even alongside crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Visually, the bright green parsley adds a pop of color, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients
• Get ready for a flavorful experience!
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined shrimp enhances flavor and texture.
For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic – minced garlic adds a robust aromatic essence.
- 1 cup heavy cream – this creates the creamy base for the sauce, helping achieve that rich consistency.
- 3 tbsp butter – butter brings a luscious mouthfeel and richness to the dish.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – freshly grated for the best melt and flavor profile in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Salt and pepper – seasonings that elevate the dish, allowing the shrimp’s flavor to shine.
For the Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley – chopped parsley not only adds a fresh brightness but also a beautiful finish to your creamy garlic shrimp.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. This will create a rich base for the shrimp.
Sauté Shrimp: Season the sautéed shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously for even mixing. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly; this will provide that luscious texture.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted into the creamy base, creating a delightful depth of flavor.
Combine Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, simmering in the sauce for just another 2 minutes to marry the flavors together.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a pop of color that enhances both the taste and presentation.
Optional: Serve over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Create the perfect dinner experience with simple side dishes that complement the richness of this divine dish.
Lemon Herb Rice: The zesty brightness of lemon-infused rice balances the creamy texture beautifully. It’s a fresh canvas that beautifully absorbs the sauce.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of the creamy garlic sauce. It adds an irresistible crunch and flavor to your meal.
Steamed Broccoli: Tender, vibrant broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this dish more wholesome without overpowering the shrimp’s deliciousness.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to creamy garlic shrimp. The flavors meld wonderfully.
Savory Pasta: A bed of linguine or fettuccine dressed in olive oil highlights the shrimp’s savory notes while providing a comforting texture. A perfect match!
White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the meal’s flavors, offering a crisp and refreshing palate cleanse between each delightful bite.
Tiramisu: End the evening on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert. The lightness of tiramisu perfectly contrasts with the richness of the shrimp.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Garlic Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the shrimp and the sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance. First, season and sauté the shrimp, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the sauce, simply prepare it up to the point of adding shrimp, let it cool down, and refrigerate. To maintain quality, ensure the sauce is stored in a covered container to prevent it from thickening too much overnight. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce on medium heat, add the shrimp, and simmer for about 2 minutes before garnishing with parsley. This way, you can enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, even on the busiest weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating creamy garlic shrimp, do so gradually on low heat to prevent the cream from separating, ensuring a tasty meal.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and prevent foodborne illness.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Variations
Feel free to play with these variations and create your own delicious twist on this classic dish!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan for a rich, dairy-free experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté for an inviting heat that enhances the overall flavor.
- Herbaceous Twist: Mix in fresh basil or thyme to the creamy sauce for a fragrant herbal lift that brightens the dish.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach to the skillet in the last few minutes for added color and nutrients.
- Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest into the sauce before serving for a zesty burst that complements the creaminess beautifully.
- Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice substitutes, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish without worry.
- Umami Lovers: Incorporate a splash of white wine into the sauce, allowing it to reduce slightly, deepening the flavor profile.
- Pesto Infusion: Stir in a few tablespoons of store-bought or homemade pesto at the end for a vibrant, herby twist that elevates this dish even further.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making creamy garlic shrimp, ensure the shrimp are not just cooked through but also well-seasoned for optimal flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tenderness; they should only turn pink and opaque before being removed from the skillet.
- For the best sauce consistency, stir the heavy cream continuously to prevent it from curdling while it simmers.
- Keep an eye on the simmering time; a few extra minutes can thicken the sauce perfectly without compromising the flavor.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect shrimp?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for large shrimp that are firm to the touch with a slight sea-salt scent. The shells should be clean and glossy, without dark spots or a strong odor. If you’re at a market, opt for shrimp that has been recently caught or is frozen on site for the best flavor and quality.
How should I store leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
I recommend storing your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream to restore the consistency and ensure it remains creamy and delightful.
Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Very! To freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If you find your creamy garlic sauce has thickened too much, don’t worry! Simply stir in a bit of warm water or additional cream, little by little, until you achieve your preferred consistency. Also, be sure to keep the heat low during reheating to avoid further thickening.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of Creamy Garlic Shrimp, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without the dairy content. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness while accommodating dietary needs.
Is Creamy Garlic Shrimp safe for pets?
It’s best to keep Creamy Garlic Shrimp away from your pets. Many ingredients, especially garlic and heavy cream, can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you’ve cooked this dish, it’s safer to share plain cooked shrimp with your pets instead!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Season the sautéed shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, simmering in the sauce for just another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
