Name: 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe That Will Amaze You
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

You know those nights when you need something fancy-tasting but don’t have the energy for fancy cooking? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this creamy garlic shrimp recipe. It’s my go-to when I want to impress without the stress – ready in just 20 minutes! The magic happens when plump shrimp meet a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. My husband still thinks I spent hours on it (shh, don’t tell him the truth). Whether it’s date night or just Tuesday, this dish turns basic ingredients into restaurant-worthy comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen MVP:

Lightning fast: We’re talking 20 minutes from fridge to table – faster than waiting for takeout!

Pantry-friendly magic: Except for the shrimp, you probably have everything already.
Crave-worthy sauce: That garlicky, creamy parmesan goodness will have you licking the spoon.
Endlessly adaptable: Toss it with pasta, pile it on rice, or just grab some crusty bread.

Total crowd-pleaser: Works for date nights, dinner parties, or solo Netflix binges.

Seriously, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you won’t need to make a special grocery run (except maybe for the shrimp)! Here’s what makes this dish so magical:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp – peeled and deveined (trust me, doing this yourself saves money and tastes fresher)
2 tbsp butter – because everything starts better with butter
4 cloves garlic – minced (don’t skimp – this is garlic shrimp after all!)

1 cup heavy cream – the secret to that luscious sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan – freshly grated melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff
1/2 tsp salt – to make all those flavors pop

1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – just enough for a gentle kick
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – for that bright, fresh finish

1 tbsp lemon juice – a squeeze at the end balances the richness perfectly

See? Nothing fancy – just good ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Ready to whip up the easiest (and tastiest) shrimp dish of your life? Let’s do this! First, grab your trusty skillet – I like using a large one so there’s plenty of room to toss everything around. Heat the butter over medium heat until it’s just starting to bubble. Toss in the shrimp and cook them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn that gorgeous pink color. Don’t overcook them here – they’ll finish cooking later. Scoop them out and set them aside on a plate.

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Now, in that same skillet (don’t clean it – we want all that flavor!), add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and golden. This is where the magic starts – that garlicky aroma will have your kitchen smelling like a fancy restaurant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly – it should coat the back of a spoon. This is the moment when you’ll want to dive in with a piece of bread, but hold on!

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Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in that luscious sauce to coat. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Boom – you’re done! Serve it up immediately while it’s piping hot and watch everyone swoon.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Fresh is best: Use fresh shrimp if you can – they have the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them properly in the fridge overnight.

Watch the garlic: Don’t let it burn! Burnt garlic = bitter sauce. Keep it golden and fragrant.
Adjust the heat: Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes. Not a fan? Skip them entirely.
Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast – they’re done when they’re pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Oh, the possibilities! This creamy garlic shrimp is like the little black dress of dinners – it goes with everything. My absolute favorite? Toss it with al dente fettuccine for instant shrimp alfredo vibes. For a lighter option, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up all that glorious sauce. And let’s be real – sometimes I just grab a hunk of warm crusty bread and call it “sauce delivery system.”

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to revive the sauce. The shrimp might firm up a bit, but that garlicky goodness will still be incredible!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Variations

Here’s the best part – this recipe is like your favorite playlist, totally customizable! Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a handful of baby spinach right before adding the shrimp back in – it wilts beautifully in the warm sauce. Cheese lover? Try swapping half the parmesan for creamy gouda or sharp cheddar. Feeling fancy? Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. My best friend adds a splash of white wine to the sauce (just simmer it with the garlic first), and wow – next level flavor!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe): roughly 320 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated), 26g protein, and just 4g carbs. It’s got 480mg sodium and 220mg cholesterol too. Now, full disclosure – these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients (like how much parmesan you actually use or the size of your shrimp). But hey, with this much flavor, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. I like to put frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry really well with paper towels before cooking – otherwise, they’ll release too much water and make your sauce runny.

How can I make this dairy-free?
No problem! Swap the butter for olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. For the parmesan, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious – my vegan friend swears by this version!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Honestly, it’s best fresh, but you can prep components ahead. Have your shrimp cleaned and ready, garlic minced, and cheese grated. When ready to eat, the actual cooking takes just 10 minutes. If you must reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

What if my sauce is too thin?
Don’t panic! Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir it in. The sauce will thicken as it cools too. Too thick? Just stir in a little more cream or even some pasta water if you’re serving it with noodles.

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Ready to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

What are you waiting for? Grab that skillet and let’s get cooking! I promise this creamy garlic shrimp will become your new go-to. Don’t forget to share your masterpiece – tag me in your photos or leave a comment with your twists. Happy cooking! You can find more delicious recipes like this on Pinterest.

Hi, I’m Judy!

I’m a passionate home chef who finds joy in creating delicious meals and sharing them with friends and family. My love for cooking began at a young age, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up after trying one of my dishes.

About Me