Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and fresh herbs for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes. The shrimp are lightly seared for a golden crust, then simmered in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that’s packed with flavor.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or even meal prep, as it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. If you love creamy seafood dishes with a hint of spice and freshness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them sear better.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and deepen in flavor.

3. Add the Cream & Parmesan

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. Combine & Finish

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Getting the Perfect Shrimp Texture

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

Enhancing the Flavor

For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when reducing the sauce—it complements the garlic and cream beautifully.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the rich sauce without overpowering it.

Alternative Ingredients

Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Spicier variation: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp pairs well with:

Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
Rice or Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: The sauce pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.

This dish is elegant yet easy to make, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the rich, garlicky, and creamy goodness of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp!