Looking for quick and delicious recipe ideas that deliver restaurant-quality flavor in minutes? This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a must-try!
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a last-minute gathering, or game day recipes, this dish is rich, garlicky, and irresistibly creamy. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it a total lifesaver when you need something fast, easy, and impressive.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious garlic cream sauce. Trust us—you won’t want to waste a single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- Restaurant-Worthy Flavor – Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic butter goodness.
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal.
- Versatile & Customizable – Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or switch up the seafood.
- Great for Game Day – Serve as an appetizer with toasted bread or as a main course for a crowd!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ️ 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ️ ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
1: Season & Sear the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium, then melt butter in the same skillet.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3: Add the Cream & Cheese
Stir in heavy cream and mix well.
Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4: Bring It All Together
Return shrimp to the skillet and coat in the creamy garlic sauce.
⏳ Simmer for another 2 minutes, just until heated through.
5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty garlic bread.
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and garlicky delight with your favorite side dish!
The Secret to the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp – It makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
- Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmer until it reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
- Serve Immediately – The sauce is best when fresh and warm!
Pro Tip: Want an extra layer of flavor? Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving!
Serving Suggestions – Game Day & Beyond!
This creamy garlic shrimp is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Game Day Recipes – Serve shrimp in a bowl with toasted bread for dipping!
Pasta Night – Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
Rice Bowl – Spoon it over a bed of steamed white or garlic butter rice.
Light & Fresh – Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
No matter how you serve it, this quick and creamy recipe idea is always a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ – Your Questions Answered!
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before cooking. If cooking from frozen, they’ll need an extra minute or two.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
For extra heat, add:
️ More red pepper flakes
Fresh chopped chilies
️ A splash of hot sauce
5. Can I swap shrimp for another protein?
Yes! Try it with:
Scallops or lobster for a seafood twist
Chicken breast or thighs for a heartier dish
Mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with GF pasta, rice, or bread.
Final Thoughts – The Best 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
If you’re searching for quick and easy recipe ideas or game day recipes that impress without the effort, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the ultimate go-to.
It’s rich, full of flavor, and so easy that anyone can make it—even on the busiest days!
Save this recipe and try it out! For more easy recipe ideas or game day recipes, check out FoodAndTips.com
What will you pair this shrimp with? Let us know in the comments!