Shrimp has a special place in my heart, and when I discovered the creamy garlic shrimp recipe, it became a staple in my kitchen. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up, but the combination of flavors also creates a luxurious, comforting dish that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to impress your family, this dish is sure to elevate any meal.
The beauty of creamy garlic shrimp lies in its rich, velvety sauce combined with the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. It’s perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it pairs deliciously with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread, making cleanup a breeze. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."
Why you’ll love this
- Quick cooking time means you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
- The rich cream and savory garlic create a satisfying flavor bomb.
- Shrimp cooks quickly, making it a reliable option for busy nights.
- Great for make-ahead meals; just reheat the sauce before serving.
- Pairs beautifully with various sides — pasta, rice, or bread.
Step-by-step overview
In this recipe, you’ll be melting butter in a skillet, sautéing garlic until fragrant, then adding shrimp until they’re perfectly pink and opaque. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, then serve the dish over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving)
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, thaw them in advance.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated will melt better; pre-grated can work too.
- Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, you can add more than four cloves.
How to make it
This creamy garlic shrimp comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it — you don’t want the garlic to brown.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and well combined with the cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Serve the creamy shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: For even better flavor, let the garlic sauté until it’s just starting to turn a golden color before adding the shrimp.
Don’t forget to check for doneness — the shrimp should be firm to the touch and have a nice pink hue.
Helpful cooking tips
- Always use medium heat; cooking shrimp on high heat may lead to overcooking.
- Dry your shrimp with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a good sear.
- If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Taste your dish as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right.
- If you find the sauce too rich, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it up.
Best ways to enjoy it
For a complete meal, serve creamy garlic shrimp over al dente pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. If you prefer, serve it with rice for a comforting bowl, or pair it with a piece of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a touch of heat.
Storage & reheating tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
- Overcooked shrimp: If you find your shrimp are rubbery, it means they were cooked too long. Try reducing the cooking time next time.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a little more cream or some pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Flavor is bland: Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning; a pinch more salt and pepper can make a big difference.
Recipe variations
Feel free to play with the flavors! You can add other ingredients, such as:
- Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach just before serving until wilted for a nutritious boost.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in diced sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness.
These additions can elevate the dish while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Common questions
What sides pair well with creamy garlic shrimp?
Creamy garlic shrimp is versatile but pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a hearty slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Can I use different types of shrimp?
Definitely! The recipe works well with any variety of shrimp, including large, medium, or even shrimp with the shell still on, though you’ll want to peel and devein it before cooking for easier eating.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can use canned coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make a dairy-free version. For the cheese, consider nutritional yeast as a substitute for a cheesy flavor, though it won’t have the same texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead; just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before adding freshly cooked shrimp. Assemble and serve once the shrimp are cooked for the best texture.
What’s the best way to tell if shrimp is done?
Properly cooked shrimp should be firm and curled without being too tight. They should have turned a lovely pink color and opaque appearance all the way through.
Enjoy the delicious experience of creamy garlic shrimp — it’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its simple ingredients and rich taste, it’s bound to become a favorite!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it — you don’t want the garlic to brown.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and well combined with the cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Serve the creamy shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley.