Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. This rich, garlicky sauce pairs perfectly with tender shrimp, making it an ideal weeknight meal or impressive dinner for guests.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping to cook evenly until shrimp are opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in chicken broth or white wine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor and texture, try adding diced onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
Storage
Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating can help restore the sauce’s consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also complements it nicely.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for seafood lovers. Succulent shrimp are seasoned and seared, then simmered in a rich and flavorful garlic cream sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for guests.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced or pureed)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are well coated, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Pour in chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream thoroughly, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy and rich.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes so the shrimp absorb the flavors and heat through evenly.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal and soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
- For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize and bulk up the dish.
- Always devein shrimp completely to avoid grit and enhance texture.
- Serving suggestions include linguine, jasmine rice, or garlic bread for a hearty dinner.
Keywords: Garlic shrimp, creamy sauce, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, seafood, Parmesan shrimp

