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
- 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 sauté 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.
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
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients Â
- 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
InstructionsÂ
- 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 sauté 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
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