Here is a quick, tasty recipe you can make any night of the week.
INTRODUCTION
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fast and rich dish with soft shrimp and a smooth garlic cream sauce. This meal cooks in about 15 minutes. It needs few ingredients and little work. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables. If you like quick shrimp dinners, also see this easy shrimp and rice recipes page for ideas on pairing shrimp with rice.
This dish works well for a weeknight meal or a simple weekend dinner. The sauce is creamy but light if you use small portions. The garlic gives a warm, homey taste. Parmesan makes the sauce a little salty and nutty. Fresh parsley brightens every plate.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick, creamy, and full of flavor. The shrimp cook fast and stay tender. The sauce comes together in the same pan, so you have fewer dishes to wash. You can change the side to make it more casual or more fancy. If you want a different but still creamy taste, try a slow cooker version like the creamy cajun chicken pasta for a warm, cozy meal idea.
This recipe is also easy to scale up or down. You can make it for two people or double it for guests. The base is simple and welcomes other flavors like lemon, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This recipe uses basic steps. You will melt butter, cook garlic, add shrimp, pour cream, and melt cheese. In less than 20 minutes you will have a creamy plate with bright garlic taste. For a sweet and savory twist, you can add a honey glaze and serve it with bowls inspired by honey garlic shrimp bowls.
Keep shrimp cold until you start cooking. Use medium heat to keep the cream from boiling hard. Stir the sauce so the cheese melts smooth. Taste before you serve and add more salt or pepper if you need it.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater for parmesan (if not pre-grated)
- Serving spoon and plates
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Cooked pasta or rice (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice, and garnish with chopped parsley.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Serve the shrimp hot over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. For a classic plate, toss the cooked pasta in the pan to coat it with sauce. Spoon the shrimp and extra sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a grind of black pepper.
For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles. You can also place the shrimp on toasted bread slices and use the sauce as a dip for a simple appetizer.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
To store, cool the shrimp and sauce to room temperature. Place in an airtight container and put in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat so the sauce does not separate. Add a splash of cream or milk while reheating if the sauce seems too thick.
Freezing cooked shrimp in cream sauces is not ideal because the sauce can change texture after thawing. If you must freeze, keep shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, stirring often. For best results, cook shrimp fresh or freeze only the plain cooked shrimp and make a fresh sauce when you are ready to eat. For a pasta idea that stores and reheats well, look at this one pot creamy garlic pasta for tips on make-ahead pasta options.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a rich meal.
- Spoon over steamed rice for a simple bowl.
- Pair with garlic bread for extra flavor and a sauce mop.
- Add a side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Top with toasted pine nuts for a light crunch.
Keep sides simple so the shrimp and sauce stay the main focus. A squeeze of lemon on top gives a fresh finish and brightens the cream.
VARIATIONS
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce for a tangy note.
- Spicy Creamy Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering the cream.
- Herb Butter Shrimp: Stir in fresh basil or tarragon at the end for an herb-forward sauce.
- Tomato Cream Shrimp: Add a half cup of chopped tomatoes or a few spoonfuls of marinara for a tomato cream twist.
- Mushroom Cream Shrimp: Sauté sliced mushrooms before the garlic and use the same steps for a mushroom and shrimp dish.
You can mix and match these ideas. Keep the base steps the same and add the extra element when you pour in the cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking. Pat dry so they sear well.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Stir in a small spoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken if you want a richer sauce.
Q: How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
A: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. They cook fast, usually 3-4 minutes. Overcooking makes them tough.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free butter and full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk. The taste will change but you can still get a creamy sauce.
Q: Is parmesan necessary?
A: Parmesan adds salt and a nutty flavor. You can skip it or use a similar hard cheese like pecorino if needed.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Prep the shrimp: Peel, devein, and store in the fridge a few hours before cooking. This saves time when you are ready to cook.
- Chop garlic and parsley ahead of time and keep them in small covered dishes in the fridge.
- Have your pasta or rice cooked and cooled in the fridge. Reheat and toss with sauce at serving time.
- Make the sauce without the shrimp up to one day ahead, keep it chilled, and add cooked or fresh shrimp when you are ready to finish the dish. Reheat gently.
These tips help you get dinner on the table fast and with less stress.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a fast and kind dish to make any night. It needs simple ingredients and cooks in one pan. If you want another take with step-by-step photos, read the helpful guide at Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Ahead of Thyme. For a tested recipe with tips from a trusted food site, you can also view the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Cafe Delites | The Kitchn.
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice, and garnish with chopped parsley.