Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This easy and indulgent Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the perfect quick dinner when you’re craving something rich and comforting. With tender shrimp simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without a lot of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp dish is everything you could want in a weeknight meal: rich, flavorful, and ready in no time. The shrimp are seared to perfection, then coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce made with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. With minimal ingredients and a short cook time, this is a go-to recipe when you’re looking for something indulgent but easy to make.

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

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season the Shrimp:

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.

2. Sear the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping once, until they’re cooked through and pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add Cream and Cheese:

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens up to a creamy consistency.

5. Combine & Serve:

Return the shrimp to the skillet and coat with the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes until the shrimp are heated through and coated with the sauce.

6. Garnish & Enjoy:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 8 minutes

• Cook Time: 7 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when making the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

• Substitute Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this sauce would also pair wonderfully with chicken or scallops.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the shrimp just before serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While Parmesan is the traditional choice, you could try using Romano cheese or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency, or you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.

What can I serve this with?

This creamy garlic shrimp pairs well with pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine), steamed rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is the perfect quick and easy dinner for any night of the week. In just 15 minutes, you can have a flavorful, indulgent meal with tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a dish to impress, this recipe has you covered!