Some days, the scent of sugar and vanilla from my bakery, Sweet Magnolia, follows me home. After a long day of kneading dough and piping buttercream, you’d think the last thing I’d want to do is cook. However, that’s when I crave something savory, quick, and utterly comforting.
My grandma, who first taught me to bake with lumpy-but-perfect biscuit dough, also taught me that a good meal doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s where this incredible Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe comes in. It’s my go-to weeknight wonder, a dish that feels ridiculously elegant but comes together faster than it takes to decide what to watch on TV.
The sizzle of garlic in butter, the fragrant steam of white wine, and the luscious swirl of cream create a sauce that I could honestly eat with a spoon. This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is more than just a recipe; it’s a 20-minute escape to a cozy, delicious place. It turns a regular Tuesday into something special, proving that the best meals are often the simplest.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
There are countless reasons this shrimp dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours, too. First and foremost, this is a truly Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe. We’re talking one pan and under 30 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on busy evenings.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: The rich, savory sauce tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant. The combination of garlic, white wine, parmesan, and cream is simply divine. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen making this creamy garlic shrimp.
- Incredibly Versatile: This dish is a perfect companion for so many things. Serve this creamy shrimp over pasta, spoon it over fluffy rice, or just grab a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. You can’t go wrong!
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients already. There’s nothing exotic here, just simple pantry staples coming together to create a show-stopping meal. It’s the definition of an easy shrimp recipe.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t fall in love with this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp after the first bite. It’s perfect for a quiet date night in or a quick and impressive family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this beautiful meal. Using fresh, quality components will make your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp truly shine.
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for a prettier presentation if you like.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons. This forms the rich base of our sauce.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. A little oil helps prevent the butter from browning too quickly.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy! This is a creamy garlic shrimp recipe, after all. Fresh garlic is best.
- Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This deglazes the pan and adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, plus more for serving. Use freshly grated for the best melting and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. It adds a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little bit of background heat.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change up this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp:
- Make it Lighter: If you want to reduce the richness slightly, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. The sauce won’t be quite as thick but will still be delicious.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use a good quality, full-fat canned coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Add Veggies: Make it a complete one-pan meal! Wilt a few large handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end. Sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms also make wonderful additions to this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more. You could also add a finely minced jalapeño with the garlic.
- Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end will brighten all the flavors and add a lovely acidic counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect platter of Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp on your table in no time. It’s a straightforward process that delivers spectacular results every single time.
- Prepare the Shrimp: First, make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for getting a good sear.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if needed. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point. Promptly remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Build the Flavor Base: Next, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—this is pure flavor! Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low.
- Finish the Dish: Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in that glorious, creamy sauce. Let the shrimp warm through for about a minute. Stir in the fresh parsley, taste the sauce, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is now ready to serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
To make absolutely certain your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is flawless, keep these simple tips in mind. They’re the little things that make a big difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important rule of cooking shrimp! They cook incredibly fast. Searing them for a minute or two per side and then letting them finish cooking in the warm sauce is the perfect method to ensure they are tender and juicy, not tough and rubbery.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe has so few ingredients, their quality really matters. Use real butter, fresh garlic (not the jarred kind), and a block of Parmesan that you grate yourself. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: I mentioned this in the instructions, but it bears repeating. Removing excess moisture from the shrimp allows them to sear properly in the pan rather than just steam. This creates more flavor.
- Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry white wine that you would actually drink, like a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth with a small squeeze of lemon juice.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is definitely best enjoyed fresh, leftovers are still a treat! To store, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When it’s time to reheat, do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp and splitting the cream sauce. The best way is to place the leftover creamy garlic shrimp in a small saucepan or skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and stir occasionally until just warmed through. I would avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a star, but every star needs a great supporting cast! The luscious sauce is perfect for soaking up, so I highly recommend serving it with something that can do just that.
- Pasta: The most classic pairing. Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair are all fantastic choices. Just toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. This dish makes a fantastic creamy shrimp pasta.
- Bread: A loaf of crusty bread, like my No-Knead Crusty Bread or some simple garlic bread, is non-negotiable for dipping into every last drop of the sauce.
- Rice or Grains: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve it alongside steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or zucchini noodles (zoodles). The vibrant green is a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also pair this easy shrimp recipe with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a convenient and excellent choice for this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before you start.
The best way to do this is to place them in a colander in the sink and run cold water over them for a few minutes until they are no longer frozen. Most importantly, pat them very, very dry with paper towels afterward.
What can I use if I don’t have white wine?
If you don’t have or prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even shrimp stock. To mimic the acidity of the wine, I recommend adding a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the broth before adding it to the pan.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink and opaque, and they will curl into a gentle “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they are likely overcooked. That’s why we only sear them briefly at the beginning and let them finish cooking gently in the sauce at the end. This method gives you much more control and ensures a tender result for your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Because shrimp cooks so quickly and can easily become tough when reheated, I don’t recommend making the entire dish ahead of time. However, you can certainly do some prep work to make it even faster! You can mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and grate the Parmesan ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, the dish will come together in about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. This is calculated for one of four servings, without pasta or rice.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
An incredibly elegant yet easy one-pan creamy garlic shrimp recipe that is perfect for a weeknight. This dish features a luscious, restaurant-quality sauce made from garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, all coming together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside
- Build the Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer and let the wine reduce by about half, about 2-3 minutes
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and let them warm through for about a minute. Stir in the fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: To keep shrimp tender and juicy, sear them briefly and then finish cooking them gently in the warm sauce.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since the ingredient list is simple, using fresh garlic, real butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield the best flavor and texture.
Pat the Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture from the shrimp is crucial for getting a proper sear rather than steaming them.
Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth mixed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to prevent the sauce from splitting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without pasta or rice)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 308mg