Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes

Looking for a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes? This creamy garlic shrimp recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for special occasions, this creamy garlic shrimp combines succulent seafood with a rich, velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this quick and delicious seafood dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish!
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
• Creamy garlic shrimp is perfect for low-carb and keto diets
• The sauce is absolutely divine – perfect for sopping up with bread or over pasta
• Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners
• Customizable with different herbs and add-ins to suit your taste
• Requires just one pan for easy cleanup

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off – your preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Substitutions and Options:

• For a dairy-free creamy garlic shrimp, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream
• Use white wine instead of chicken broth for a more complex flavor profile
• Substitute dried parsley (1 teaspoon) if fresh isn’t available
• For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or oregano

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
6. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
2. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
3. Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
5. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Return the shrimp to the pan, including any accumulated juices.
3. Gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
4. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce, so remove them from the initial sear while they’re still slightly translucent in the center.
• Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced jarred garlic simply doesn’t deliver the same punch of flavor as freshly minced cloves.
• Room temperature cream: Take your heavy cream out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to prevent it from potentially curdling when added to the hot pan.
• Quality matters with Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated variety for a smoother sauce.
• Watch your heat: When making the sauce, keep it at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent the cream from breaking.
• Timing is everything: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking since this creamy garlic shrimp recipe comes together quickly.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp

For a complete meal, serve your creamy garlic shrimp with one of these delicious options:

• Over cooked pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair work wonderfully)
• Alongside fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• With crusty bread for dipping in that incredible sauce
• Over creamy mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower
• Nestled on a bed of zucchini noodles for a lighter option
• With a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• As an appetizer with toasted baguette slices

For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

(Per serving, recipe makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets. It’s high in protein and provides healthy fats for a satisfying meal.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate and the shrimp texture may change upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce if it’s too thick. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate and the shrimp to become tough.

FAQs for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this creamy garlic shrimp recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely first. Place frozen shrimp in a colander and run under cold water until thawed, then pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing and can dilute your sauce.

How can I make this creamy garlic shrimp recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use for creamy garlic shrimp?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for this recipe as they’re substantial enough to stand up to the rich sauce. Wild-caught shrimp typically have better flavor than farm-raised, but either will work well.

Can I make creamy garlic shrimp ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating can cause the shrimp to become tough and the sauce to break. If needed, you can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and quickly cook the shrimp just before serving, then combine the two.

Related Recipes

If you love this creamy garlic shrimp, try these other quick and delicious seafood recipes:

• Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp – A lighter alternative with bright citrus flavors
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta – For those who enjoy a spicy kick with their seafood
• Shrimp Scampi – A classic garlic and butter preparation that’s ready in minutes
• Coconut Curry Shrimp – A tropical twist with aromatic spices
• Garlic Butter Scallops – Another quick-cooking seafood option with similar flavors

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the best creamy garlic shrimp that rivals any restaurant version! This 15-minute wonder proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The rich, velvety sauce perfectly complements the tender shrimp for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes.

Have you tried this creamy garlic shrimp recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Did you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread? Share your serving suggestions and any tweaks you made to the recipe.

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next busy weeknight or when you need to impress dinner guests with minimal effort. Happy cooking!

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Title: Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Quick 15-Minute Meal SEO Title: Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Easy and Delicious Meta Description: Learn how to make the best creamy garlic shrimp with this easy, 15-minute recipe. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights! Focus Keyword Phrase: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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