If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is your golden ticket. Juicy shrimp bathed in a silky, garlicky sauce rich with Parmesan and Italian herbs comes together faster than takeout — yet every bite feels like restaurant-level comfort. Whether you serve it over a bed of steaming pasta, rice, or with slices of crusty bread to mop up the luscious sauce, Creamy Garlic Shrimp is one of those reliable dishes you’ll want on repeat, perfect for busy nights or special occasions alike.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Shrimp is in its simplicity — each ingredient has a role to play in bringing bold flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color. Take a peek at these essentials to set yourself up for shrimp perfection.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for juicy bites that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps the shrimp sear to a light golden perfection.
Unsalted Butter: Gives creaminess and depth while letting you control the salt level.
Garlic: Five fresh cloves infuse the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor — don’t skimp!
Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious, velvety base for the sauce — use full-fat for the most indulgence.
Chicken Broth: Lightens the sauce and adds a subtle savory note that complements the shrimp.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly and lending a salty, nutty punch.
Italian Seasoning: A medley of herbs that brings the entire dish together with classic Mediterranean flair.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds gentle heat and makes the flavors pop.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors — taste and adjust as you go.
Fresh Parsley: Bright, herby, and colorful sprinkled on just before serving.
Lemon Wedges: An optional squeeze brings a fresh, zesty finish and wakes up the dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper; this quick step draws out the best flavor and keeps the shrimp from steaming. Having your shrimp prepped ensures they’ll cook evenly and absorb that delicious sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for just 1–2 minutes per side — you’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté, stirring, for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well, letting the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken ever so slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return your seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the luscious sauce to coat well. Let the shrimp simmer for another 1–2 minutes, just until they’re heated through and perfectly coated in the creamy garlic goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a pinch more salt or Parmesan takes it over the top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and shower your Creamy Garlic Shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve right away with fresh lemon wedges on the side — a squeeze lifts all the flavors and adds brightness to the rich sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

Top your Creamy Garlic Shrimp with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for vibrancy, and don’t forget those lemon wedges. If you love a little extra flair, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a light finish of cracked black pepper adds both beauty and taste.

Side Dishes

This dish is made for pairing! Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp over al dente pasta or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter twist, try steamed veggies or zucchini noodles; or go classic with a loaf of rustic, crusty bread for ultimate sauce-swiping satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up your presentation by serving the shrimp atop creamy polenta or spooning it into warm toasted baguette boats. You can even pile the shrimp onto crisp crostini for elegant appetizers — Creamy Garlic Shrimp truly shines at any gathering, casual or fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp (with plenty of sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days — just be gentle when handling the shrimp so they remain plump and tender.

Freezing

While shrimp itself freezes well, creamy sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. If you do want to freeze leftovers, try to do so before adding the cream for best results, and gently reheat with fresh cream when serving. Otherwise, enjoy within a couple of days for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat so your shrimp don’t become chewy and the sauce doesn’t split. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of milk or broth as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat them very dry before cooking. Drying is essential to getting a nice sear and preventing excess water from thinning your sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even coconut cream if you want a dairy-free alternative. Just note that substitutions may affect the final creaminess and flavor slightly, but the dish will still be delicious!

How spicy is this dish?

Creamy Garlic Shrimp gets only a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to heat, simply use less or leave them out; if you love a bolder bite, add more to taste. The mild creamy sauce beautifully balances any spice level.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic add-ins, lending color and a nutrient boost. Toss them into the skillet just before adding the shrimp back in to let them wilt and meld with the sauce.

Is Creamy Garlic Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes, as written, Creamy Garlic Shrimp is naturally gluten-free if served over rice or with gluten-free pasta. Just double-check any packaged ingredients (like broth or cheese) for hidden gluten if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, quick, and decadent, give Creamy Garlic Shrimp a try — it’s sure to become your new obsession too. With minimal ingredients and a flavor that feels extravagant, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser that you’ll be excited to make over and over again!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this luxurious Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe that’s quick and easy to make. Succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

For Serving:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add remaining butter and garlic. Stir in cream, broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.