Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of shrimp and garlic—add in a luscious, creamy sauce and you’ve got a dish that is irresistible. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough for a weeknight, this creamy garlic shrimp is your answer. The best part? It comes together in just around 30 minutes, so you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table without too much effort. Trust me, I’ve been there, frantically pulling together dinner with just minutes to spare, and this dish is a lifesaver.

I first made this dish on a whim after coming home late from work one evening, tired but craving something comforting and indulgent. I had shrimp in the fridge, a half-empty carton of cream, and a block of parmesan that was begging to be used. A quick sauté, a few pantry staples, and a decadent sauce later, I found myself savoring every bite of this creamy garlic shrimp. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes, especially when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

🍤 Why this creamy garlic shrimp will win you over

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can serve it over just about anything—creamy mashed potatoes, a tangle of pasta, or even some cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things low-carb. Plus, the garlic-parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and coats the shrimp perfectly, making every bite rich and flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did (which is always a win in my book).

A quick little story about my shrimp obsession…

I think my love affair with shrimp started when I was a kid and my family would take trips to the beach. There was a seafood shack we always went to, and I’d order shrimp every single time. Something about their delicate flavor and the way they soak up sauces just hooked me. Fast forward to now, and I still get that same thrill from cooking shrimp at home. The smell of garlic sizzling in butter, the shrimp turning that perfect shade of pink—it’s like a mini getaway to the coast, right in my kitchen.

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe brings back those memories, but with a more refined twist. While I love a classic shrimp cocktail or grilled shrimp skewer, this recipe takes things up a notch with that creamy, dreamy garlic sauce. It’s comfort food meets elegance, and who wouldn’t want that?

A little history behind the dish

Shrimp in a garlic cream sauce is something you’ll find variations of in different parts of the world. From French scampi-style dishes to Italian shrimp alfredo, this concept isn’t new, but what makes this version stand out is its simplicity and richness. It pulls elements from French cuisine (like the use of butter and wine to deglaze the pan) while incorporating Italian staples like parmesan. Over time, home cooks have adapted it to be more user-friendly, eliminating the need for hard-to-find ingredients without sacrificing flavor. And thank goodness for that, because now we can all enjoy this dish with minimal effort!

Let’s talk ingredients: the essentials you can’t skip

  • Shrimp: The star of the show! You want medium shrimp, deveined and peeled. Tail-on or tail-off is totally up to you—I like leaving the tails on for presentation, but for easier eating, take them off. If you don’t have shrimp, you could easily swap in scallops or even chicken (though let’s be honest, shrimp is the MVP here).
  • Garlic: This is where all that flavor comes from. You’ll want fresh garlic, minced finely. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could work, but it won’t have the same punch.
  • Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, thick sauce. Make sure your cream is at room temperature, as it incorporates better and doesn’t curdle when added to the pan. If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half could work, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
  • Parmesan: This adds a salty, umami richness to the sauce. Freshly grated is the way to go—it melts more smoothly than the pre-grated stuff. If you’re out of parmesan, pecorino would make a decent substitute.
  • White wine: This adds a bit of acidity to cut through the richness of the cream. If you don’t have wine, you can use chicken broth for a milder flavor.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can totally skip)

You don’t need much for this recipe—just a few essentials, really:

  • A large skillet: You want something with plenty of surface area so you can cook the shrimp in a single layer. A cast iron or stainless steel pan works best for that golden sear.
  • Tongs: For flipping the shrimp without overcooking them.
  • A whisk: This is your best friend when it comes to making a smooth sauce. It helps the cream incorporate with the melted butter and parmesan without clumping.

If you don’t have a whisk, you can totally use a fork—it just might take a bit more elbow grease.

Step-by-step: How to make creamy garlic shrimp without breaking a sweat

  1. Season the shrimp: Lay your shrimp out in a single layer on a cutting board, then season them with salt and pepper. This ensures they’re well-flavored before they even hit the pan.
  2. Sear the shrimp: Heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp. Here’s a pro tip—don’t overcrowd the pan, or your shrimp will steam instead of searing. Cook them for 1-2 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another minute until they turn pink and curl into that cute “J” shape. Then, take them out and set them aside.
  3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. Once it’s melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Then, pour in your white wine and scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, then stir in the cream.
  4. Add the cheese: Once your sauce is simmering, it’s time to add the parmesan. Stir it in until it’s fully melted and your sauce is smooth and glossy. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Return the shrimp: Add the shrimp back into the pan and spoon that delicious sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and you’re ready to serve!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Variations to make this recipe your own

  • Vegan: Swap the shrimp for firm tofu or mushrooms, use a plant-based butter, and replace the cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based sauce. It’ll still be creamy and flavorful but 100% plant-based!
  • Low-carb: Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep things light and keto-friendly.
  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a little heat. I’ve tried this, and it gives the dish an extra kick without overpowering the creamy goodness.
  • Herby: Stir in fresh basil or thyme along with the parsley for an earthy twist.

How to serve this dish

I love serving this creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of mashed potatoes or pasta. If you’re going for a lighter option, mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles work beautifully too. For a garnish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and brightness. You could even go fancy with a few lemon wedges on the side to cut through the richness.

Drinks to pair with your creamy shrimp

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this dish. The acidity of the wine helps balance out the richness of the sauce. If you’re not a wine drinker, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime works just as well for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

Adjusting for a crowd

This recipe serves about four people, but if you’re feeding a larger group, you can easily double it. Just be sure to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. The sauce scales up easily—just add a little extra cream and parmesan, and you’re good to go!

Potential issues? Here’s how to avoid them!

  • Curdled sauce: Make sure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet, and don’t add it to a super-hot pan. Lowering the heat and adding the cream off the heat helps avoid curdling.
  • Overcooked shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them, and don’t cook them for longer than a couple of minutes per side.

Ready to dive in?

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is an absolute keeper. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? You can customize it to fit whatever mood or dietary preference you’re feeling that day. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become a favorite in your house, just like it has in mine!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth is a great alternative. It’ll still deglaze the pan and add flavor without the alcohol.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh to avoid overcooking them when reheating.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, so I’d suggest enjoying this dish fresh or within a couple of days.

What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Linguine or fettuccine are perfect choices because they soak up the sauce really well!

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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Rich, creamy garlic shrimp made with parmesan and white wine—perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for an easy and delicious dinner!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium raw shrimp deveined, peeled, tails on or off
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil avocado oil, olive oil, refined coconut oil, etc.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine see Notes
  • 1 cup heavy cream at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste
  • ¾ cup grated fresh parmesan at room temperature
  • finely chopped fresh parsley to taste

Serving Suggestions (All Optional)

  • mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower or mashed palmini
  • prepared pasta of choice or prepared palmini
  • rice or cauliflower rice

Instructions

  • Season the shrimp: Lay your shrimp out in a single layer on a cutting board, then season them with salt and pepper. This ensures they’re well-flavored before they even hit the pan.
  • Sear the shrimp: Heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp. Here’s a pro tip—don’t overcrowd the pan, or your shrimp will steam instead of searing. Cook them for 1-2 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another minute until they turn pink and curl into that cute “J” shape. Then, take them out and set them aside.
  • Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. Once it’s melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Then, pour in your white wine and scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, then stir in the cream.
  • Add the cheese: Once your sauce is simmering, it’s time to add the parmesan. Stir it in until it’s fully melted and your sauce is smooth and glossy. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
  • Return the shrimp: Add the shrimp back into the pan and spoon that delicious sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and you’re ready to serve!

Notes

How to serve this dish

I love serving this creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of mashed potatoes or pasta. If you’re going for a lighter option, mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles work beautifully too. For a garnish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and brightness. You could even go fancy with a few lemon wedges on the side to cut through the richness.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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