Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

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By: Maria
Posted: 01/10/2025

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a luxurious and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or dry white wine
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth or wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm the shrimp through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Shrimp options: Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Customizations: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of fresh shrimp, garlic, and a creamy parmesan-infused sauce creates a dish that’s both indulgent and full of flavor. The quick cooking time ensures the shrimp remain tender, while the sauce adds a rich, comforting element that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a versatile and elegant recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for entertaining. With its rich flavors and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Creamy Garlic Shrimp ahead of time, and if so, how should I store and reheat it?

Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Garlic Shrimp ahead of time. You can cook the shrimp and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth if it has thickened too much. Add the shrimp to the sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of reheating to warm them through.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can make if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?

If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or dry white wine, adjusting the salt as needed. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but be aware it will impart a slight coconut flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or a blend of other hard Italian cheeses, adjusting the amount to taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can omit it, or use a pinch of regular paprika for a similar color.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the sauce is ready?

Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and their flesh becomes firm. They should curl into a “C” shape; if they curl into an “O” shape, they are likely overcooked. The sauce is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually after simmering for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should have a creamy consistency, and the flavors will have melded together.

Can I scale this recipe up to serve more people, or should I double it?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up. For doubling the recipe, use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume of shrimp and sauce. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Double all the ingredients proportionally, and be mindful that the cooking time may slightly increase, particularly for the sauce to reach the desired thickness.

What are some of the nutritional highlights of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe?

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a good source of protein from the shrimp, which also provides selenium and vitamin B12. Garlic offers potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The Parmesan cheese contributes calcium. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially when served with a low-carb side. However, it is important to note that this recipe is also high in fat due to the heavy cream.

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is quick, easy and delicious, perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce that can be served over pasta or rice.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes