Creamy Garlic Shrimp
There’s something magical about a skillet sizzling with butter, garlic, and tender shrimp. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and when that rich, cheesy cream sauce comes together? Pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this creamy garlic shrimp is simple, indulgent, and packed with flavor. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed veggies, and let every bite melt in your mouth. Trust me—this one’s a keeper!
Preparing Creamy Garlic Shrimp can be straightforward, but here are five common questions to help make the process even easier:
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp – Use medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can keep the tails on or off, depending on your preference.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Season to taste for balanced flavor.
- Neutral Oil – Helps to sear the shrimp. Options include avocado oil, olive oil, or refined coconut oil.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – The key ingredient for that irresistible garlicky flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle tangy depth.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Adjust to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy finish. Avoid pre-packaged grated versions, as they often contain fillers.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions (Optional)
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic, comforting base for the shrimp and sauce.
- Pasta – Use your favorite pasta or palmini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Rice – White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all pair beautifully.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Notes
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp, deveined, peeled (tails on or off)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (avocado oil, olive oil, or refined coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan, at room temperature
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or mashed palmini
- Prepared pasta of choice or palmini noodles
- Rice or cauliflower rice
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Season the Shrimp
- Lay shrimp in a single layer on a cutting board.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Set aside.
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Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp of oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes without stirring, then flip.
- Cook another 1 minute until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and curl into a "J" shape.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Let it reduce by half.
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- Remove the skillet from heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream.
- Return the skillet to the heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add salt and black pepper, stirring well.
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Finish the Sauce
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Return the skillet to low heat and let the sauce thicken slightly (about 1 minute).
- Sprinkle in fresh parsley.
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Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over them.
- Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Enjoy!
- Can I use frozen shrimp, and should I thaw them before cooking?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. It’s best to thaw them before cooking for even cooking and better texture. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cool water for about 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry before cooking.
- What’s the best way to prevent the cream sauce from curdling or becoming grainy?
To avoid curdling, ensure that the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the pan. Also, remove the skillet from heat when stirring in the Parmesan cheese, as adding cheese over high heat can cause it to become grainy.
- Can I substitute the chicken broth in the recipe?
Absolutely.You can substitute it with vegetable broth. This will still provide depth of flavor to the recipe.
- How can I make the dish spicier?
To add a kick to your creamy garlic shrimp, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
This dish pairs well with various sides. Popular options include pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
