15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp

That’s a fantastic foundation for a quick and delicious meal. Here is a complete, easy-to-follow recipe built from your ingredients, including key steps, tips for success, and serving suggestions.

15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This recipe yields a rich, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce)

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Optional Flavor Boosters:

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear instead of them steaming. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Create the Cream Base: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine it with the butter and garlic. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

6. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute. If using, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.

7. Serve Immediately: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve right away over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with a side of crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery. Taking them out of the pan while you make the sauce ensures they stay tender.

• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Best: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy or prevent it from melting smoothly. A block of Parmesan that you grate yourself will give you a much creamier result.

• Deglaze the Pan (Optional but Recommended): After sautéing the garlic, you can add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of dry white wine to the pan. Let it simmer for a minute until reduced by half before adding the cream. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

• Sauce Too Thin? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for another minute or two to reduce further. Alternatively, create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.

Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!