If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe checks all the boxes. Creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly rich, it’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and impressive dinner parties. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have tender shrimp coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant — no advanced culinary skills or obscure ingredients required.
This detailed post will walk you through everything you need to know: from how to choose the best shrimp to how to achieve the perfect consistency in your cream sauce. Whether you’re a seafood beginner or a home cook looking for a reliable favorite, this guide covers it all.
Why This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe Works
- Quick and easy to make
- Full of bold, satisfying flavor
- Beginner-friendly with minimal prep
- Restaurant-quality presentation
- Flexible enough for customization and different dietary needs
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe and what each brings to the dish:
Shrimp (500g, peeled and deveined)
Choose medium or large shrimp. They should be raw, not pre-cooked, to avoid overcooking. Tails can be left on for presentation or removed for convenience.
Olive Oil and Butter (1 tablespoon each)
Combining the two adds both depth and richness. Olive oil raises the cooking point, while butter contributes to flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Garlic is the core flavor element in this recipe. Use fresh cloves, finely minced, to get the most aromatic and robust results.
Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Full-fat cream gives the sauce its velvety texture and helps it cling beautifully to the shrimp.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated)
Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce slightly. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged versions.
Paprika (½ teaspoon)
Adds warmth and subtle smokiness to the shrimp.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional)
Adds a touch of heat to balance the richness of the cream.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning, added to both the shrimp and the sauce to ensure depth in every bite.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)
Adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the cream and enhancing the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. This helps them sear properly instead of steaming. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until just pink and slightly curled. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic becomes bitter.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese and allow it to melt fully, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Add the red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the cream sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional minute so the flavors can blend. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your dietary preferences and how hearty you want the meal to be:
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair)
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option
Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Add Vegetables
Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes with the garlic for added nutrition and texture.
Make It Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream sauce for a more intense heat.
Use a Different Protein
Substitute the shrimp with scallops, chicken breast strips, or tofu for a different protein profile.
Go Dairy-Free
Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. It changes the flavor but keeps the richness.
Tips for Success
- Always use raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp tend to become rubbery when reheated.
- Dry the shrimp well before searing to get the best texture.
- Keep the heat moderate when making the cream sauce to prevent separation.
- Use freshly grated cheese — it melts more smoothly and gives a better flavor.
- Add lemon juice at the end to prevent the cream from curdling.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While this dish is best served immediately, leftovers can be stored with care.
Storage:
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and cause the sauce to break.
Freezing:
Not recommended. The cream-based sauce can separate, and shrimp do not reheat well after being frozen.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: Moderate depending on added salt and cheese
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe proves that an impressive, flavorful meal doesn’t have to involve complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients. It’s fast, flexible, and filled with rich garlic flavor. Whether you’re serving it over pasta on a busy weekday or pairing it with a glass of wine for a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Bookmark this recipe and make it a staple in your rotation — it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something memorable.
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Description
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and delicious dinner option ready in just 20 minutes. Succulent shrimp are simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. This dish is beginner-friendly and full of restaurant-style flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special date nights.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp:
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step ensures they sear beautifully and stay flavorful.
Sear the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat (approx. 180°C). Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cheese and Seasonings
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Coat them in the creamy garlic sauce and let them warm through for 1 minute. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Note
Shrimp Tip: Use raw shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Dairy Alternatives: You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions: Excellent over linguine, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes.
