Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s nothing short of magic—the *Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe*! With succulent shrimp bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something downright delightful. Super easy and quick to whip up, it’ll soon become your go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Delicious: The creamy garlic shrimp recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, but it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
- Versatile Pairing: Can be served over a bed of rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even elegant polenta.
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan creates an irresistibly luscious sauce.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this masterpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes this creamy garlic shrimp recipe so delightful. The combination of just a few simple ingredients brings an explosion of flavor. Each component plays a critical role in the balance of taste and texture.
- Butter: Provides a rich base for our shrimp by complementing the garlic.
- Shrimp: Fresh, deveined shrimp soak up the sauce beautifully, becoming tender and juicy.
- Garlic: This adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- Stock: A choice between vegetable or chicken stock helps add body and enhances flavor.
- Heavy cream: For a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each shrimp.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, umami hit that pairs harmoniously with garlic.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for freshness and garnish.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this creamy garlic shrimp recipe your own! It’s incredibly flexible and can adapt to suit any palate or dietary preference. Here are some exciting adaptations:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for some heat.
- Wine Lover’s Version: Incorporate a splash of white wine for an elegant, tangy depth.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp for mushrooms to make it hearty and veggie-friendly.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by gently melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook them until they’re opaque and pink, which takes just a few minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set them aside but keep that wonderful fond in the skillet for our sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet—don’t wipe it clean because you want all those delicious bits—add minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the stock of your choice and let it reduce slightly. Introduce the heavy cream, allowing it to thicken before stirring in the parmesan. Watch it transform into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich yet light.
Step 3: Combine
Return the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously bathed in the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh touch.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Perfect Shrimp Sear: Ensure your shrimp are well-patted dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
- Creamy Consistency: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and consistency in the sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of lemon juice to the sauce for an extra zing right at the end.
- Savvy Serving: Prepare your side dish ahead of time to serve the creamy garlic shrimp immediately, preserving its freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your creamy garlic shrimp with a hearty sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. A grating of lemon zest will add an aromatic flourish that wakes up the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light and fluffy mashed potatoes or a warm, herbed rice pilaf. For a low-carb twist, try it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles to soak up that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this creamy garlic shrimp directly from the skillet for a rustic charm, or you can spoon it over a bed of pasta or polenta on a spacious platter for a more elegant twist. Either way, you’ll end up with a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but don’t worry—it’s still delicious.
Freezing
While freezing shrimp is certainly possible, it’s best to consume this recipe fresh to maintain the integrity of the sauce. If you must freeze, do so in a single layer, and only for a short period.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to help regain its original creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this creamy garlic shrimp recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water releasing into the creamy sauce.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and melted butter for a similar, though less rich, consistency.
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How do I make this dish lighter?
Make it lighter by swapping the cream for a lower-fat option and reducing the parmesan quantity, plus adding plenty of fresh herbs for flavor without extra calories.
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Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Certainly! Use a non-dairy butter alternative and coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream, along with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this creamy garlic shrimp recipe a try. It’s a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and incredible flavors in every bite. Share it with your loved ones or savor it solo for a memorable culinary experience!
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American or Italian-inspired
Description
This creamy garlic shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, it pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons (26 g) unsalted butter
- 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (43 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a delicious, creamy dish.
Notes
- Jumbo shrimp are recommended for optimal texture, but smaller sizes work well too.
- For extra richness, substitute part of the stock with white wine.
- Ensure side dishes are ready when the shrimp is cooked for a complete meal.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
