Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional); 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 –5 garlic cloves (minced); ½ small shallot (finely diced); ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste); ½ cup dry white wine (or low‑sodium chicken broth); 1 cup heavy cream (35–40% fat); ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tsp lemon zest; Juice of ½ lemon

Welcome to my kitchen! As a professional chef with years of experience crafting dishes that delight both the palate and the soul, I’m thrilled to share with you an Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe that combines succulent shrimp, luscious garlic, and velvety cream into a dish that’s effortless to prepare yet impressive on any table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a romantic date night at home, this recipe checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to master this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe: from ingredient breakdowns and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in and turn ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary meal!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Speedy Preparation
With just 10 minutes of active cooking time, this dish is perfect for when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Rich, Comforting Flavor
The marriage of buttery garlic, savory shrimp, and a creamy sauce is a match made in culinary heaven—guaranteed to satisfy.
Versatility
Serve this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe over pasta, rice, or zoodles, or pair it with crusty bread for dipping. It adapts to many diets and preferences.

Impress Without Stress
This recipe looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s beginner-friendly. Your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Pro Tip: For the best results, use the freshest shrimp you can find. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.

Shrimp
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off, per preference)
Seasonings for Shrimp
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color and depth)

Garlic Butter Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)

Aromatic Additions
- ½ small shallot or ¼ medium onion, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (35–40% fat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1–2 tablespoons)

Equipment and Tools

Medium sauté pan (10–12 inches) or skillet

Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Small bowl for combining seasonings

Microplane or fine grater (for zesting lemon)

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Shrimp

Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this ensures a good sear).

Season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce components.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Base

Place your sauté pan over medium heat.

Add the unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling occasionally.

Stir in the diced shallot (or onion) and red pepper flakes, cooking until the shallot is translucent (about 1–2 minutes).
Add the garlic, and sauté for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Increase heat to medium-high.

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for about 1.5–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque with golden edges.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Build the Creamy Sauce

Carefully pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits—this is flavor gold!
Let the liquid reduce by half (about 2–3 minutes).

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth.

Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is slightly thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy garlic sauce.

Finish by stirring in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Cooking Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Heat pan over medium heat; melt butter.
Sauté aromatics: shallot + red pepper flakes → garlic.

Cook shrimp until pink; remove.

Deglaze with wine/broth; reduce.
Add cream; whisk in Parmesan.

Combine shrimp with sauce; finish with lemon and parsley.

Total active cooking time: 12–15 minutes

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if needed. Overcrowding steams the shrimp rather than sears them.

Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) melts better and gives a cleaner flavor.

Control the Heat: Keep your pan at medium to medium-high. Too high, and the cream may separate; too low, and the sauce won’t thicken properly.
Brighten with Citrus: Lemon juice and zest are crucial for cutting through the richness of the cream.

Customize the Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or swap in a dash of cayenne for a sharper kick.

Variations and Customizations

1. Spicy Kick

Add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper or a teaspoon of Sriracha for a hot garlic shrimp variation.

2. Herb Infusion

Swap parsley for fresh basil, thyme, or chives. Alternatively, stir in a tablespoon of pesto for a different flavor profile.

3. Lightened-Up Version

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Thicken the sauce with a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1–2 tablespoons water.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Ensure your white wine or broth is gluten-free (many conventional brands are). Serve over gluten-free pasta or zoodles.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe lends itself beautifully to a range of bases:

Over Pasta

Fettuccine or Linguine: The classic choice; toss the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce with freshly cooked pasta.

Angel Hair Pasta: For a lighter feel, angel hair noodles soak up the sauce just as well.

With Rice and Grains

Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice absorbs the sauce for a comforting bowl meal.

Quinoa or Farro: For a nuttier texture and added protein.

Vegetables

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Keep it low-carb and veggie-forward.
Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Add green veggies on the side or stir them into the pan at the end.

Bread Pairings

Crusty Baguette: Perfect for mopping up every drop of creamy garlic sauce.

Garlic Bread: Double the garlic, double the fun!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing: Not recommended for the cream sauce—it can separate upon thawing.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Q: My sauce is too thin—how do I thicken it?
A: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q: How can I prep ahead?
A: Chop the garlic, shallot, and parsley ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Season the shrimp and keep it ready to go.

Conclusion

There you have it—an Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe that delivers on taste, simplicity, and versatility. From the first sauté of garlic to the final sprinkle of parsley, each step is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you keep it classic with pasta or mix things up with grains or veggies, this dish is poised to become a go-to in your weeknight rotation.

Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a plate of creamy, garlicky perfection. Happy cooking!