Creamiest Garlic Shrimp Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Tucked away in my recipe collection, this creamy garlic shrimp becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation.

Seafood enthusiasts adore how quickly it comes together in one skillet.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each succulent morsel with incredible depth of flavor.

Mediterranean coastal influences shine through in every delectable bite.

Aromas of butter, garlic, and herbs will dance across your kitchen.

Home cooks appreciate how elegantly simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

I promise this dish will make you feel like a professional chef in minutes.

Prepare to savor every single spectacular spoonful.

Ingredients List for Garlic Shrimp Night

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, best when fresh and deveined.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy base that creates luxurious sauce texture and deep flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide smooth cooking foundation and enhance overall taste profile.

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Layers complex flavor dimensions, adds warmth and depth to the dish.

• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that brings intense savory character to the sauce.

Liquid Components:

• Chicken Broth, White Wine: Adds moisture and builds complex flavor foundation, helps deglaze pan and create sauce base.

Garnish:

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides color contrast and light herbal note.

Cook Garlic Shrimp Like a Restaurant Pro

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Serenade

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Essence

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Pour in chicken broth or white wine. Simmer briefly while scraping pan’s delicious browned bits.

Step 3: Create Creamy Harmony

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Let sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Reunite Shrimp with Sauce

Return cooked shrimp to skillet. Gently toss to coat each piece with luxurious sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Garlic Shrimp Prep Tips for Beginners

• Prevent Rubbery Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and chewy.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer the cream sauce slowly to help it thicken naturally, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or spicy according to taste.
• Smart Substitution Options: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian adaptation.

Store and Heat Garlic Shrimp Properly

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain the creamy sauce's texture.
• Skip microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery and tough, destroying the delicate flavor and texture.
• Best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety, discarding any leftovers that smell off or look discolored.

Best Pairings for Garlic Shrimp Meals

• Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, garlicky shrimp sauce and cut through its richness.
• Serve with buttery garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Roast asparagus or sautéed zucchini with lemon zest to provide a fresh, light accompaniment that balances the rich seafood dish.
• Choose light and fluffy jasmine rice or angel hair pasta to absorb the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavors.

Garlic Shrimp Flavors to Explore

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps the rich, creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture while eliminating dairy.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs, incorporate diced bell peppers, and increase red pepper flakes for a zesty New Orleans-style preparation.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or white beans, using the same cooking method and garlic cream sauce for a plant-based protein alternative.

Garlic Shrimp That Packs Bold Flavor

• Shrimp lovers will adore this restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dinner.
• Beginners can easily master this recipe with straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Whip up this creamy garlic shrimp in just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delectable but don't have hours to cook.
• Seamlessly transition from casual family dinner to elegant date night by serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, satisfying different taste preferences and dining occasions.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic shrimp dance in a luscious, velvety sauce that whispers Mediterranean comfort. Delicate seafood and rich flavors invite passionate cooks to savor each sumptuous, aromatic bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika (optional)

Liquid Component:

• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or white wine

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium heat, creating a flavorful cooking base.
2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
3. Sear shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce minced garlic and briefly sauté until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth or white wine, gently scraping accumulated flavor-rich browned bits from the surface.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional paprika into the liquid, creating a luxurious sauce.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, thickening slightly while developing deep, complex flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Reintroduce seared shrimp into the creamy sauce, gently coating each piece and warming them through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top, creating a vibrant visual and flavor contrast.
10. Serve immediately alongside pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread to fully appreciate the rich, garlicky sauce.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp by watching their color change carefully, as they turn pink and opaque quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan.
• Use Fresh Garlic for maximum flavor intensity, crushing or mincing it finely to release more aromatic compounds and ensure even distribution in the sauce.
• Control Sauce Thickness by adjusting cream simmering time – shorter simmer means thinner sauce, longer simmer creates richer, more concentrated consistency.
• Make It Low-Carb by serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 280 mg