Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

Creamy garlic shrimp is a quick and satisfying dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This 15-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this creamy garlic shrimp recipe! It’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, making it a go-to for any occasion. Here’s why it stands out:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
• Restaurant Quality: The luscious garlic cream sauce tastes like it’s from a high-end restaurant, but it’s made with simple pantry staples.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors or add extra ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Season the Sauce: Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired) for a hint of spice.
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy garlic sauce. Allow the shrimp to heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately with your choice of side.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Use scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different protein option.
• Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Add Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a zesty twist.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a kick of heat.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them as they cook quickly.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the shrimp just before serving.

What type of shrimp should I use?

Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for this recipe. You can use tail-on or tail-off shrimp depending on your preference.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them to the sauce only at the very end to avoid overcooking, as they only need to be heated through.

What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to let it reduce, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken it.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce may be thinner and less creamy. Consider using a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour for a similar consistency.

How can I make it gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth and Parmesan cheese you use are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This easy creamy garlic shrimp recipe is a true gem, delivering a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered. Its rich, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this irresistible dish!

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