Imagine a plate of plump shrimp, glistening in a velvety garlic cream sauce that wafts irresistible aromas into the air. Each bite brings a delightful crunch from the sautéed shrimp, mingling with rich, savory flavors that dance on your palate. This is not just any meal; it’s Creamy Garlic Shrimp at its finest.

This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an intimate gathering with friends. Picture laughter filling the room as you serve this delectable treat, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s dive right into this culinary adventure! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll whip this up in no time, leaving you free to enjoy your evening
- The flavor profile mixes garlic and cream for an irresistible combination
- Visually appealing with its glossy sauce and vibrant shrimp, it’s sure to be the star of any table
- It’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even fresh crusty bread for dipping
I remember the first time I made Creamy Garlic Shrimp for my family; their eyes lit up like Christmas morning when they caught a whiff of that heavenly aroma.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works fine; just be sure they’re deveined and peeled for easy cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Use about 4 cloves for a punchy flavor; fresh guarantees the best taste.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious texture; don’t skimp on quality here.
- Butter: A couple of tablespoons add richness and depth to the sauce.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley brightens up the dish with color and fresh flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; these basics are essential for pulling all flavors together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)
For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Prep Your Station: Gather all your ingredients and tools—this makes cooking smoother. Get a large skillet ready over medium heat while you chop garlic and parsley.
Sauté the Shrimp: Add butter to your hot skillet until melted, then toss in shrimp. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Garlic Goodness: Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma.
Pour in Heavy Cream: Reduce heat slightly, then mix in heavy cream. Let it bubble gently while stirring until it thickens slightly—about 2-3 minutes.
Season & Brighten Up: Add lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together before sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top.
Serve & Savor: Plate your creamy shrimp masterpiece over pasta or rice, adding extra parsley if desired. Enjoy with friends or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
With these steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
You Must Know
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp is not just quick but also a crowd-pleaser
- The aroma of garlic sautéing will make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant
- It’s creamy, dreamy, and ready in 15 minutes!
- Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in butter to release its flavor, then add shrimp until they turn pink. Simultaneously, prepare the creamy sauce to ensure everything melds together perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add spinach for color and nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce from separating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more milk if desired, ensuring a perfect balance every time
Cooking this dish reminds me of that dinner party where everyone was too busy enjoying my creamy garlic shrimp to notice I was still in my pajamas!
FAQ
What type of shrimp works best for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Use fresh or frozen shrimp; both work well if thawed properly before cooking.
Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream will still yield delicious results while cutting calories.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether for a fantastic low-carb meal option.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a luxurious dish that combines plump shrimp with a velvety garlic cream sauce, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In just 15 minutes, you can impress your guests with this rich and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy the delightful crunch of sautéed shrimp enveloped in a savory sauce that promises to make your taste buds dance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (deveined and peeled)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your cooking area by gathering all ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat slightly, pour in heavy cream, and let bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately over pasta or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or swapping shrimp for chicken. Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes if desired.