If you’re craving a fast, flavorful dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but comes together in minutes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp is exactly what you need. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce that’s silky, savory, and irresistibly satisfying. The best part? You can have it on the table in just 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy garlic goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp
There’s so much to love about this creamy garlic shrimp recipe — it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat. First, it’s quick and easy, coming together in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. You don’t need anything fancy either; the recipe uses simple pantry staples like garlic, cream, parmesan, and butter to create a luxurious sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. Best of all, it’s family-friendly and incredibly versatile. Pair it with pasta for a comforting meal, spoon it over fluffy rice, or serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad — it’s delicious any way you plate it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy garlic shrimp recipe shines because it keeps things simple yet flavorful. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring this dish to life
- Shrimp — Look for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work great. (Tip: Tail-on shrimp add extra visual appeal, but tail-off is easier to eat.)
- Garlic (fresh minced) — Fresh garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor. Avoid jarred garlic if possible for the best taste.
- Heavy cream — Provides the rich, velvety base of the sauce. Substitution: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Parmesan cheese — Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding nutty, salty depth. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
- Butter & olive oil — A combination ensures a perfect balance of flavor and even cooking for the shrimp.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, parsley) — Salt and pepper enhance all flavors, paprika adds subtle warmth and color, and chopped parsley brightens the dish with a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Step-by-Step)
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this creamy garlic shrimp comes together. Just follow these simple steps for a dinner that tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal — ready in under 15 minutes!
1. Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel — this helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to add warmth and color.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then whisk in freshly grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine & Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the creamy garlic sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Take your creamy garlic shrimp from great to unforgettable with these simple, chef-approved tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their juicy tenderness. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. Fresh parmesan melts evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce, adding a rich, nutty flavor without clumps.
- Deglaze the pan for extra flavor — After sautéing the garlic, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. This loosens the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan, enhancing the depth and brightness of the creamy garlic sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes — it’s quick, simple, and bursting with rich, garlicky flavor that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you’ll have a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious — perfect over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite veggies.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and rating below to share your experience — your feedback not only helps others but also supports the site. And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or on social media so more people can enjoy this creamy, comforting favorite. Happy cooking!