Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you love quick and easy dinners that taste like something from a fancy restaurant, this creamy garlic shrimp is for you. It’s rich, garlicky, and comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent but is actually super simple to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 15 minutes—yes, really!
Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor
Perfect for serving with pasta, rice, or veggies

Ingredients

You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy garlic shrimp. Here are some of the basics:

Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Lemon juice
Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)

Full list of ingredients and measurements is in the recipe card below!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same pan, add more butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for brightness, then sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works too—just thaw them first.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and will turn rubbery if left too long in the pan.
For extra richness, add a little white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you want a lighter version.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop of flavor.
Use chicken instead of shrimp if you’re not a seafood fan.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of cream.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with:

Pasta – Toss it with linguine or fettuccine.
Rice – Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice.
Vegetables – Try it with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed zucchini.
Bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to make cooking even quicker.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer or add extra Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Conclusion

This easy creamy garlic shrimp is the ultimate quick dinner that feels special without all the effort. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or just a slice of bread, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try tonight and see how fast it disappears!

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

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Indulge in a rich, garlicky shrimp dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, offering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Finish the Dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
To add depth of flavor, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
Incorporate vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.