Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something luxuriously creamy, garlicky, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe will hit the spot. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party, making a quick weeknight meal, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-style dish at home. Juicy shrimp in a silky garlic cream sauce, all made in under 20 minutes—what’s not to love? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Ready in just 20 minutes for stress-free weeknight dinners.
• Restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen.
• Rich, velvety sauce is gluten-free and keto-friendly.
• Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Easy to double for family gatherings or special occasions.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, substitute chicken broth if preferred)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

1. Prep & Sauté the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, just until opaque and pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

2. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

4. Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
6. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan, simmer for 1 minute.
7. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Combine and Serve

8. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices back into the skillet.
9. Toss to coat everything in the creamy garlic sauce. Warm for 1-2 more minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately!

Notes & Helpful Tips for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• For the best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp—they cook super quickly! Learn more about how to cook shrimp perfectly.
• If your sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth until it’s just right.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce (pre-grated cheese can make it gritty).

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Variations

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce for a luscious meal.
• Lightened-Up Version: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream or try coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the garlic for a bold twist.

Required Equipment for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic and parsley)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk/spatula
• Paper towels (for drying shrimp)

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Storage Instructions

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Serve over al dente pasta, steamed rice, or creamy polenta for a hearty meal.
• Add a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Use wild-caught shrimp for the best sweet, natural flavor and learn about how to select quality shrimp.
• Let the shrimp come to room temperature for even cooking and juicier bites.
• Don’t rush the garlic—gentle cooking brings out its sweet, aromatic flavor (learn more about cooking garlic properly).

Creamy Garlic Shrimp FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or coconut milk make suitable substitutes, though the sauce will be a bit lighter in texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium to low and stir in the cream gradually for a smooth, luscious sauce.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

★★★★★ 4.20 from 17 ratings

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

yield: 4 servings

prep: 10 mins

cook: 15 mins

total: 25 mins

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy dinner featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect served with pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. 1
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
2. 2
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
3. 3
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
4. 4
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. 5
   Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
6. 6
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 410 caloriescal

Protein: 32gg

Fat: 28gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 5gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please consider Pinning it!!