What is this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe? Is this one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on the plate? If you love shrimp scampi but want something richer, a little more decadent, then this is the recipe. What is your new go-to? Is it easier than you think to make a movie? My family requests this almost weekly – they can’t get enough!
What is Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Think of it as shrimp scampi’s sophisticated cousin. What’s the difference between shrimp and cream sauce? Instead of butter and wine, we’re adding a touch of heavy cream for the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, half and half works great too! It gives the sauce this velvety texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp. The garlic becomes sweet and mellow, and the whole dish just bursts with flavor. Is it the kind of thing that makes you want to lick the plate clean? I’ve done it a few times!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of garlic, butter, and cream is just pure magic. Then, there’s the simplicity. I can whip this up on a weeknight in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re staring down a busy schedule. Plus, shrimp is pretty affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. What I love most about this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even just crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing sauce. I’ve even used it as a topping for baked potatoes – seriously, try it! This recipe is a real winner compared to some more complex seafood dishes I’ve attempted; it’s got the ease of shrimp scampi with an extra layer of indulgence. My kids, who can be picky eaters, devour it every single time.
How do I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Quick Overview
What’s the recipe for sautéing garlic in butter, adding shrimp, and then cooking until pink, then serving. Stir in the cream and seasonings. Is it really that fast? How do you not overcook shrimp? Why don’t you skip the garlic?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I always buy frozen and thaw them – super convenient)
* 4 tablespoons butter (real butter is essential for the best flavor)
* 6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor). I usually use Sauvignon Blanc. (I have a few bottles of
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish and a pop of freshness)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and Black Pepper to taste
* Juice of 1/2 lemon (brightens everything up)
What are the serving options
* Cooked pasta (linguine or fettuccine are my favorites)
* Cooked rice (white or brown)
* Crusty bread (for soaking up the sauce)
How do I follow
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. What is the best way to steam shrimp instead of sautéing them? Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. What is the best way to cook garlic?
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
If you’re cooking shrimp in a skillet, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until golden brown. Do not overcook the pan, or they’ll steam. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Deglaze (Optional)
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. What are some great ways to add flavor to a sauce?
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the Red Pepper flakes (if using) and the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 7: Serve!
Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or bread. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over the top!
What should I serve it with?
What are serving suggestions? I love serving this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe over linguine. It’s a quick and easy meal. What is a side salad? The pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce, and the salad adds a bit of freshness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve it with some crusty baguette slices for soaking up the extra sauce. My family loves this! For a more elegant brunch, you could serve it with asparagus. I just eat it straight out of the pan when I’m craving a cozy cozy meal. Is it good with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts? What are the possibilities?
How do I make a Creamy garlic shrimp recipe?
What are some Tips for cooking shrimp? I cannot stress this enough. Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery, and nobody wants that. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. Second, use fresh garlic. What is the flavor of pre-minced food? Is it worth the effort to mince it yourself? Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor, or pinch of Parmesan cheese for cheesy twist. I’ve even added a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for tangy kick. Fourth, if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’ve thawed and patted dry before cooking. If the shrimp are too dry to cook, the water will steam instead of sautéing them. Fifth, taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. How much salt and pepper you need to eat depends on your personal preference. Sixth, don’t skip lemon juice! What is the best way to brighten up a dish and balance the richness of the cream?
One time, I accidentally used almond milk instead of cream (don’t ask! Is it bad? Is it true that the sauce has a slightly nutty flavor? If you’re dairy-free, that’s a perfectly acceptable substitution. Why don’t you use skim milk?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it for a minute or two, or heat it in an electric skillet over low heat until golden brown. Is it cold? How do you cook shrimp? If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. I don’t recommend freezing this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe, as the cream sauce can separate and break down. When thawed, the grain becomes grain
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other seafood recipes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp Peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp Butter Unsalted
- 6 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.25 cup Chicken Broth
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
