Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485871H53M47S
Total time: PT-485871H53M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined; 2 tbsp butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish); Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

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This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and indulgent dish packed with tender shrimp simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or whenever I want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

2 tablespoon butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

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

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side until just pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat them in the sauce and warming through for 1–2 minutes. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately, ideally over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The total time from start to finish is about 20 to 22 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 10–12 minutes of cooking.

Variations

I sometimes add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and color. For a spicy kick, red pepper flakes work great. If I’m watching carbs, I serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating helps keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, I usually thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

I sometimes use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your chicken broth or wine is gluten-free, and this dish is naturally gluten-free.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook quickly—just 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. I watch closely because overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently and add freshly cooked shrimp just before serving.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something rich, satisfying, and quick. The balance of garlic, cream, and Parmesan brings out the best in the shrimp, and with so many serving options, I can always customize it to my mood or diet. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, which is why I keep coming back to it.

Recipe:

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A quick and indulgent dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side until just pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat them in the sauce and warming through for 1–2 minutes.
If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately, ideally over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.