Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share one of my absolute FAVORITE comfort food recipes that turns any meal into something special. I’m talking about the Creamy Garlic Shrimp!

You know how sometimes those late-night cravings hit, and you just HAVE to experiment in the kitchen? That’s exactly how this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe was born. I wanted something satisfying, something flavorful, and something that would make me do a little happy dance after the first bite.

And let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp delivered. It was a happy accident that turned into a full-blown obsession, and now I’m sharing it with you! The rich, creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked shrimp, and that GARLIC… oh, that garlic!

I am beyond excited to share my Creamy Garlic Shrimp with you, and I know you’re going to love it. Are you ready to dive into this flavor adventure with me? Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: I like to use shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time, but feel free to do it yourself!
4 cloves garlic, minced: This is where the magic happens! Don’t skimp on the garlic!
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent.
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): This adds a touch of acidity and complexity to the sauce. No worries if you don’t have this – chicken broth works great too in my Creamy Garlic Shrimp!
1/4 cup butter: Butter makes everything better, right?
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! I love adding extra red pepper flakes to my Creamy Garlic Shrimp for that extra kick!
Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!

Here’s my Creamy Garlic Shrimp secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly. You can find this during your normal shopping trip. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp gets its amazing taste from these key ingredients!

Ingredients for making creamy garlic shrimp

Store your shrimp in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This helps to keep it fresh. Chop your parsley right before you need it. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in flavor.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Creamy Garlic Shrimp – watch the magic happen! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the foundation of our flavor starts! Make sure the butter is melted before moving on to the next step.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! It should be fragrant but not browned. This is where the delicious garlic aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary. In my kitchen, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp usually takes just a few minutes to cook the shrimp.
If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a layer of flavor that you don’t want to miss! This is where the magic starts happening!
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the sauce becomes extra creamy and flavorful!
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Shrimp!

Don’t worry if your Creamy Garlic Shrimp looks a little thin at first. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. For a weeknight shortcut, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add it to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. One of my personal cooking discoveries: a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to this Garlic butter shrimp.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Creamy Garlic Shrimp hits the table with perfectly cooked pasta! Here’s how I love to enjoy this Creamy Garlic Shrimp and wow my guests.

I love to serve this Creamy Garlic Shrimp over a bed of linguine or fettuccine. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly. For a low-carb option, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Some bold flavor pairings that complement this Creamy Garlic Shrimp perfectly are a crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

For presentation, I like to garnish the dish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A few lemon wedges on the side add a pop of color and allow people to customize their dish to their liking.

Got leftovers? Toss them with some cooked rice and veggies for a quick and easy fried rice. Or, add them to a frittata or omelet for a flavorful breakfast. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out this Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash.

I have experimented with adding a splash of vodka to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a subtle warmth that is so delicious. Serve this Creamy Garlic Shrimp at your next dinner party or potluck, and watch it disappear!

FAQs:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is super simple and easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the steps and don’t be afraid to experiment!

What if I mess up my Creamy Garlic Shrimp? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Even if you overcook the shrimp or the sauce is a little too thick or thin, it will still taste amazing. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking and enjoy!

How can I prep this Creamy Garlic Shrimp for busy weeknights?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic, measure out the spices, and peel and devein the shrimp. Store everything in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Can I make this Creamy Garlic Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

I prefer to use large shrimp for this recipe, but you can use any size you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! Some great additions would be spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No problem! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. I have experimented with both, and they both taste great.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp reminds me of another bold flavor favorite. Have you checked out my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta?

CONCLUSION:

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a flavor adventure that brings me so much joy. The combination of creamy sauce, garlicky goodness, and perfectly cooked shrimp is simply irresistible.

My Creamy Garlic Shrimp Flavor Secrets:

Don’t skimp on the garlic! The more garlic, the better!
Use fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a pop of freshness and flavor.
A pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that is addictive.

I have tested so many Creamy Garlic Shrimp variations, and here are a few of my favorites:

Spicy Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.

The Spicy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something with a kick. The Lemon Garlic Shrimp is great for a light and refreshing meal. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.

I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is one of my favorite Easy shrimp dinner. For another easy variation on creamy garlic shrimp, check out Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan – Cafe Delites for a low carb option.

Delicious creamy garlic shrimp served on a plate

I am so excited for you to try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp and experience the delicious magic for yourself! Happy cooking! Check out Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Little Sunny Kitchen, and Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – Cafe Delites for similar recipes.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Print Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp are bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or rice.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Stir in the fresh parsley.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce just before serving.