Savor Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into restaurant-quality meals in just 20 minutes. The tender shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.

I first made this dish when my in-laws surprised us with a last-minute visit, and I needed something quick but impressive. The look on their faces when they took their first bite confirmed this would become my go-to entertaining recipe.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined; fresh is best, but frozen works well when thawed properly
• Olive oil: Use a good quality oil for better flavor development
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the shrimp
• Black pepper and salt: Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference
• Unsalted butter: Creates a richer base for the sauce than oil alone
• Garlic cloves: The heart of this dish, fresh garlic provides incomparable flavor
• Heavy cream: Delivers that luxurious restaurant quality texture
• Chicken broth or white wine: Adds depth and cuts through the richness
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the smoothest melting
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that adds complexity with one ingredient
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for subtle heat that enhances the other flavors
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbaceous note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Shrimp:

Toss your cleaned shrimp in a mixture of paprika, salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly coated. This dry seasoning creates a flavorful foundation and helps the shrimp develop a beautiful color when cooked. Take your time here to ensure even distribution.

Sear the Shrimp:

Heat your skillet over medium high heat until it feels hot when you hold your hand above it. Add the olive oil and let it get shimmering but not smoking. Add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which would cause steaming instead of searing. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until you see a nice pink color developing, then flip and cook another minute until just opaque. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce your heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, using all those flavorful bits left behind from the shrimp. Once melted, add your garlic and cook for just one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the broth or wine next, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer for 2 – 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

Add Cream and Cheese:

Pour in your heavy cream in a slow, steady stream while stirring constantly to incorporate. Add the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a full boil to prevent the sauce from breaking. Let it cook for 3 – 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Combine and Serve:

Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for just 2 minutes more to warm the shrimp through and allow the flavors to meld. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp at this stage, as they can quickly become rubbery.

Garnish and Enjoy:

Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving. The bright green color and fresh flavor provide the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy sauce.

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The first time I made this dish, I accidentally added twice the amount of garlic called for. What seemed like a recipe disaster turned out to be a happy accident that my family now insists is the only way to make it. Sometimes cooking mistakes lead to the best discoveries.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Clean and season the shrimp up to 8 hours before cooking, keeping them refrigerated. You can also make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and gently reheat it before adding the shrimp. Just be careful not to bring the sauce to a full boil when reheating as this can cause it to separate.

Perfect Pairings

While this creamy garlic shrimp is delicious on its own, it truly shines when served over a base that soaks up the sauce. My family loves it over angel hair pasta or linguine for a classic approach. For a lighter option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Crusty French bread makes the perfect tool for scooping up every last bit of sauce from your plate.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes during the last five minutes of cooking for bursts of acidity and color. Spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding nutrition and a vibrant green element. For seafood lovers, try adding scallops alongside the shrimp for an elevated seafood medley. If you enjoy herbs, fresh basil or tarragon make excellent alternatives to parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for this dish, ensuring tender and juicy bites.

→ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half is a lighter alternative that still creates a creamy sauce, though it may be less rich.

→ How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?

Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat until pink and opaque, flipping halfway through.

→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?

White wine is an excellent substitute, adding tangy depth to the sauce. Vegetable broth works too.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Add or omit red pepper flakes to control heat. You can also include extra paprika for mild warmth.