Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Seafood lovers, get ready for a luxurious yet simple dish—Creamy Garlic Shrimp! This recipe combines tender shrimp, a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and a touch of fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a fancy date night meal, this creamy garlic shrimp will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s an excellent low-carb and keto-friendly dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a silky, indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to the shrimp.
  • Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or zoodles for a complete meal.
  • Impressive Yet Simple: With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a gourmet-quality dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Equipment Used

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane grater (for Parmesan)

Directions & Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

  1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Do not overcook.
  3. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the stock, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce by half.
  3. Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce.
  2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  3. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
    (Note: These values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Variations

  • Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
  • Mushroom Garlic Shrimp: Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms when cooking the garlic.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

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

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

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

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy and thick. You may need to simmer it longer to reduce.

Pro Tips by Elisa

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Grate your own Parmesan for a richer, smoother sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and should be removed from the heat once they turn pink.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent it from breaking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
  • With crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce
  • As a low-carb option with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Elisa
This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is rich, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane grater (for Parmesan)

Ingredients
  

  • For the Shrimp:
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp 21-25 count, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Do not overcook.
  • Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sautĂ© for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the stock, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce by half.
  • Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  • Step 3: Combine Everything
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Grate your own Parmesan for a richer, smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and should be removed from the heat once they turn pink.
Simmer the sauce gently to prevent it from breaking.
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