Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The richness of butter and cream combined with garlic and Parmesan makes every bite delightful. It’s simple to prepare yet feels indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped or minced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken stock/broth)
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a skillet over high heat until it begins to foam.
2. Step 2: Add the shrimp and cook until they start changing from translucent to white. Add the garlic and stir for about 20 seconds, making sure the shrimp are white but still slightly raw inside.
3. Step 3: Pour in the white wine, allowing it to steam and bubble vigorously. Cook for 30 seconds or until the alcohol smell fades and the liquid is reduced by half.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp work well if thawed properly.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute dry white wine with chicken stock or broth.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be safely stored and warmed carefully for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed rice, or garlic bread. A simple green salad also complements the richness nicely.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 729 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and a hint of white wine. Perfectly pan-seared shrimp simmered in a luxurious sauce make for a quick and elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with chicken stock/broth)
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a skillet over high heat, melt the unsalted butter until it begins to foam, which indicates it is hot and ready for cooking.
2. Cook Shrimp and Garlic: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp start turning from translucent to white, then add the finely chopped garlic. Stir for about 20 seconds; the shrimp should now be white but still slightly raw inside.
3. Add White Wine: Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock/broth). The liquid will steam and bubble rapidly. Cook for about 30 seconds until the alcohol smell has dissipated and roughly half of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Simmer with Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy whipping cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if necessary to your preference.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side if desired for an added fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed properly also work well.
• Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce, but chicken stock is a good alcohol-free alternative.
• Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they should be just opaque and tender.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option, noting the sauce may be less rich.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, shrimp recipe, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp dinner, shrimp with cream sauce, Parmesan shrimp