Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro chef—without any of the stress. In just 15 minutes, you get tender shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and elegance with minimal effort.

Enrich your dinner routine with Creamy Garlic Shrimp by pairing it with pasta, rice, or a crusty slice of bread to soak up that creamy goodness. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and the best part? It all comes together in one pan. This quick and versatile meal is a go-to for busy nights or whenever you crave something warm, filling, and a little fancy—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Print

Ingredient for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until evenly coated.

Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping once.
Once shrimp turn pink and firm, remove from skillet and set aside.

Build the Garlic Butter Base: Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes to thicken.

Combine and Serve: Add shrimp back into the skillet. Coat in sauce and simmer 2 more minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Serving Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways. For a quick dinner, spoon it over a bed of steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes. Want something heartier? Pair it with linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta—perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

If you’re keeping it low-carb, serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad. Crusty bread also works great for dipping into the rich, garlicky sauce. You can even serve it as an appetizer in small bowls with toothpicks at gatherings.

This recipe serves about 4 people as a main dish. For larger groups, double the ingredients and serve family-style in a large dish. No matter how you plate it, this creamy shrimp recipe is sure to impress with its restaurant-quality flavor and simplicity.

Tips and Hacks

To make your Creamy Garlic Shrimp even better, here are a few helpful tips and clever hacks. First, don’t overcook the shrimp—just 2 to 3 minutes per side keeps them juicy and tender. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery fast. Next, for a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a small spoon of cream cheese for extra richness.

You can easily customize the recipe too. Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more color and texture. Want it spicier? A dash of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes will do the trick.

If you’re meal prepping, store the shrimp and sauce separately, then reheat gently to keep the sauce from breaking. Leftovers last 2–3 days in the fridge.

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce. With these tricks, your creamy shrimp will taste better every time you make it.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a simple breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Creamy Garlic Shrimp (based on 4 servings):

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fiber: 0g

Please note: These numbers are estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, or optional additions like bread or pasta. If you serve it with rice or noodles, total calories and carbs will increase. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the butter slightly. Want to lower the sodium? Use a low-sodium broth and adjust added salt.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Please note: These times are based on using peeled and deveined shrimp and prepping your ingredients ahead. If you need to clean the shrimp yourself, add a few more minutes to your prep. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen. One pan, 15 minutes, and you’re done!

How to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Storing your Creamy Garlic Shrimp is easy and helps you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. First, let the shrimp cool completely before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat while stirring. This keeps the sauce creamy and the shrimp tender.

Avoid reheating on high heat, or the sauce might separate, and the shrimp could turn rubbery. If the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a splash of milk or broth. This helps bring back its smooth texture.

Freezing is not recommended, since cream-based sauces often break when thawed. For best results, enjoy your creamy shrimp fresh or within a couple of days.

Storing it right means your shrimp dinner will taste almost as good the next day—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner with minimal effort!

More Recipes Hungry to Try

• Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe – Juicy, flavorful chicken nuggets made at home with simple seasonings.
• Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe – A light, crispy stir-fry full of seafood flavor.
• Reka Bread Recipe – A soft, rustic loaf that’s easy to make and perfect with any meal.
• Sriracha Mayo – A spicy, creamy sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Each recipe is quick, comforting, and beginner-friendly—great for home cooks looking for something satisfying without the stress. Try one today!

FAQs

What’s the best shrimp to use for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Use large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the best results. They cook quickly and hold their texture in the sauce. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw completely before cooking. For more on shrimp sizes and types.

Can I use milk instead of cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk for cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a better balance, try using half-and-half or adding a small amount of cream cheese. This still gives you a creamy texture without using heavy cream. Adjust seasonings if needed for best flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce if you like more heat. Always start small, then taste and adjust. Spicy versions work great when served with cooling sides like rice or plain pasta.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini work great in this recipe. Add firmer veggies earlier during the cooking process so they soften. Then stir in tender greens like spinach at the end so they just wilt into the sauce. This adds nutrition, color, and texture.