Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
If you want a dish that’s bursting with flavor, silky smooth sauce, and tender, juicy shrimp, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those feel-good meals that come together quickly but taste like you spent hours perfecting them. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of garlicky richness, a touch of cheese, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish hits the mark every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious dish, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role, from the seasoned shrimp to the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for the perfect bite-sized protein with a tender texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity note and helps cook the shrimp to perfection.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): This spice adds a mild smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the underlying flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star aromatic that imparts a fragrant and savory kick.
- Chicken broth or white wine (½ cup): Adds a slight tang and helps to build the sauce base.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Creates that dreamy, velvety texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Introduces a salty, nutty layer of flavor that deepens the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that gives the dish warmth and an herbaceous aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Perfect for a subtle kick of heat, but completely optional if you prefer things mild.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp in a bowl with paprika, salt, and black pepper until each piece is nicely coated. This simple seasoning is what gives the shrimp that beautiful flavor and color when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important not to overcook here because shrimp get rubbery fast. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium and add your butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for roughly a minute until you can smell that incredible garlic scent wafting through the kitchen—this is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This reduces the liquid slightly and intensifies its flavor, creating a perfect base for the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Keep simmering for another 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy coating that’ll cling beautifully to your shrimp.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce, letting everything meld together over the heat for an additional two minutes. This step ensures the shrimp soak up that creamy garlicky goodness perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, then serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness that balances the richness. For extra flair, a twist of lemon zest can brighten the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with pasta, especially fettuccine or linguine, which soaks up the sauce like a dream. You can also serve it over steamed rice or alongside a crusty baguette to mop up every last bit of that rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends, try plating the shrimp on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a colorful, well-rounded meal. Another fun idea is to use the dish as a topping for creamy polenta or even inside warm tortillas for a shrimp taco twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic shrimp keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the dairy, it’s best to eat it soon to enjoy that fresh, silky texture.
Freezing
Freezing the dish is possible but not ideal because cream sauces can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container and use it within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You may want to stir in a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving aggressively to keep it smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Absolutely. Half-and-half will make a slightly lighter sauce, but it still tastes delicious and creamy. Just simmer gently to avoid curdling.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
White wine is a fantastic alternative, adding a nice depth of flavor. Vegetable broth can also work well if you want to keep things lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper will give your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe a wonderful, spicy kick.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp perfectly?
Shrimp cook very quickly—generally 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a total winner when you want something impressive but fast, cozy but fresh. It’s one of those dishes where each ingredient shines, creating a flavorful and comforting experience that’s hard to beat. So go ahead, dive in and treat yourself to this silky, garlicky goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan and Italian herbs. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated to enhance flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add broth to deglaze: Pour in chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the creamy sauce, heating everything together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with white wine for a more complex flavor.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild dish.
- Serve with your favorite pasta, steamed rice, or warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain their tender texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
