Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

Short description

A quick and elegant seafood dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and easy—on the table in just 15 minutes.

2. Rich, creamy flavor that feels indulgent.

3. Versatile—serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.

4. Minimal prep and simple ingredients.

5. Easy to adapt for different diets or preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vegetable oil

• Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• White wine or chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Italian seasoning

• White cheddar cheese or Parmesan

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan.

2. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

4. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

5. Add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

6. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

• Include baby spinach or chopped tomatoes for added nutrition and color.

• Swap the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

• Use Parmesan or Asiago cheese instead of white cheddar.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. What shrimp size works best?

Jumbo or large shrimp are ideal for this recipe.

3. How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Do not overcook. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually in 2–3 minutes per side.

4. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. Add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken it if needed.

5. What can I substitute for wine?

Chicken broth is a great alternative to white wine.

6. Can I prepare this in advance?

You can make the sauce ahead, but cook the shrimp fresh just before serving for the best texture.

7. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce can be frozen separately. Add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

8. What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

9. How can I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

10. Can I use this sauce with other proteins?

Yes, the creamy garlic sauce works well with chicken, scallops, or fish.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply craving something indulgent, it’s a versatile and dependable recipe you’ll want to make again and again.