This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the ultimate quick comfort meal. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection, then coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s simple, indulgent, and perfect for an easy shrimp dinner any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce
- One-pan shrimp dinner
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or bread
Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15-Minute Dinner)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnish
Large shrimp, peeled and deveinedOlive oilPaprikaBlack pepperSaltUnsalted butterGarlic cloves, minced or pureedChicken brothHeavy cream or half-and-halfFreshly grated Parmesan cheeseItalian seasoningRed pepper flakes (optional)Salt and pepper, to tasteFresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the ShrimpToss shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.Sear the ShrimpHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.Make the Sauce BaseReduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.Build the Creamy SauceStir in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.Combine & ServeReturn shrimp to the skillet and coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until heated through.Garnish & EnjoyFinish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves, minced or pureed
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp
Toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. - Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Make the Sauce Base
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. - Combine & Serve
Return shrimp to the skillet and coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until heated through. - Garnish & Enjoy
Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed hot while the sauce is silky and rich.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them juicy
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture
- Adjust spice with more or less red pepper flakes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for variation
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
Notes
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread work perfectly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Similar Recipes
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is rich, fast, and incredibly satisfying. It’s proof that a restaurant-quality shrimp dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.