Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Velvety, rich, and loaded with garlic flavor, this creamy garlic shrimp is a 25-minute one-skillet wonder. Juicy shrimp simmered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce—perfect over pasta, rice, or veggies. Low-carb, quick, and crave-worthy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return the shrimp: Add cooked shrimp back to the pan. Toss to coat and simmer for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve and garnish: Finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or veggies.
Notes
Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse large or jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined) for a more satisfying bite and easier cooking.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to help them sear properly instead of steaming.
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat — 1–2 minutes per side — until just pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth before adding cream to build extra flavor into the sauce.
Use heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a rich, velvety finish. Add Parmesan for extra depth if desired. Serving Suggestions
Serve over pasta (linguine or fettuccine), creamy mashed potatoes, or a bed of garlicky rice.
Pair with steamed veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to balance the richness.
For a low-carb option, spoon the shrimp over cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tip: You can clean and marinate the shrimp in garlic and olive oil a few hours ahead to save time.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible. Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne while cooking the garlic.
Lemon Herb Shrimp: Swap cream for a garlic-lemon butter sauce with fresh thyme and oregano.
Creamy Tuscan Style: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach right before serving.
Surf & Turf: Serve alongside grilled steak or mix in a few seared scallops for an elevated twist.
Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the cheese for a dairy-free creamy version.