Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a versatile, indulgent dish that’s simple to prepare yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. The shrimp is perfectly seared, then cooked in a creamy garlic sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and smooth. The addition of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a dash of lemon adds layers of flavor, balancing the richness of the sauce. This dish is also adaptable, whether you want to make it spicier with a dash of red pepper flakes or add vegetables for extra texture. It’s an impressive, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

  2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  4. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir to combine, scraping up any bits left in the pan.

  5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp through and allow the flavors to meld.

  7. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.

  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

  • Add vegetables: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce for a more complete dish.

  • Spicy: For a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

  • Different cheese: Swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

  • Low-carb: Serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, you can add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk as a substitute for heavy cream, but the sauce may not be as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can also work.

3. How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink and opaque. Overcooking can make it tough, so be careful not to leave it in the skillet too long.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan gives a nice, salty flavor to the sauce, but you could also try Gruyère, mozzarella, or Asiago for different flavor profiles.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the shrimp. Reheat and combine them just before serving.

6. What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Creamy Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice are great choices.

7. Can I make this with chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken breast or thighs. Just cook the chicken through first before adding the sauce.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce, or stir in a little extra Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.

9. Can I add a touch of wine to the sauce?

Yes! You can replace the chicken broth with white wine for a deeper flavor. Just make sure to let it reduce a bit before adding the cream.

10. Can I make this a one-pan meal?

Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the skillet to make it a more complete dish, all in one pan.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish that brings together succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a quick, indulgent weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it with your favorite side dish for a complete meal, and enjoy the creamy goodness that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish made with succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a touch of lemon, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or a salad for a complete meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

  • Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir to combine, scraping up any bits left in the pan.

  • Reduce the heat to medium, then add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  • Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp through and allow the flavors to meld.

  • Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen it up.

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