Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: dinner
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒; 1 tablespoon butter 🧈; 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄; 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤; 1/2 cup heavy cream 🥛; 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine 🍷; 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋; Salt and pepper to taste 🧂; Chopped parsley for garnish 🌿

Introduction

In 15 minutes you can turn ordinary shrimp into a creamy, irresistible skillet meal. This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly doable on a busy weeknight. The secret is a fast, hot sear that locks in the shrimp’s sweetness, followed by a silky garlic sauce that uses everyday kitchen staples: butter, cream, garlic, and a little lemon to keep things bright. The result is a glossy, nourishing plate that pairs with pasta, crusty bread for dipping, or a simple bed of steamed greens for a lighter option. The recipe is flexible: you can dial up or down the garlic, add a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or swap in a splash of chicken broth if you prefer a lighter sauce. What stays constant is the balance between the briny shrimp and the rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. This dish is designed to be forgiving: even with small missteps, you’ll still end up with something delicious. If you’re cooking for a crowd, this recipe scales up easily; you can multicook in batches or prepare the sauce first and then add a second batch of shrimp. The technique is straightforward: a quick sear, a gentle turn in the sauce, and a finish with lemon and fresh herbs. The aroma alone makes it hard to wait for the plate to hit the table. Whether you’re feeding yourself after a long day or serving dinner to family, creamy garlic shrimp delivers comfort without fuss.

Ingredients Snapshot

This section covers the core ingredients and some easy substitutions that keep the method simple while letting you tailor the flavor to your taste. The recipe serves about 2 to 3 portions, but it scales up with ease for a family dinner. Gather: 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick); Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish. Optional add-ins include a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce or a handful of chopped spinach for color and nutrition. If dairy is an issue, you can substitute with coconut cream and a dairy-free butter substitute, though the sauce will be looser and slightly sweeter. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and consider thinning with a small amount of the cooking liquid from the shrimp. The garlic should be fragrant and not browned, so lower the heat if needed to avoid bitterness. The Parmesan adds a savory edge, but you can omit it for a simpler, dairy-light version that still offers a rich mouthfeel.

Kitchen Tools and Mise en Place

Preparation is as important as the cooking itself. Before you start, assemble and prep everything you’ll need so the process flows smoothly. A large skillet, preferably 12 inches or wider, is ideal for giving shrimp space to cook quickly and evenly. A set of tongs helps you flip the shrimp without breaking the sauce, while a wooden spoon or silicone spatula makes it easy to stir the garlic and cream without scratching the pan. Have a sharp knife and cutting board ready for mincing garlic and zesting lemon. Measuring spoons and a small measuring cup keep the sauce components accurate, especially the cream and lemon juice. It’s also helpful to have a small bowl of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes within arm’s reach so you can season gradually as the sauce comes together. If you’re serving over pasta, place the pasta water on to boil at the start; cooking the pasta right alongside the shrimps’ finishing steps saves time and prevents the sauce from sitting too long. Mise en place reduces stress, helps you stay organized, and ensures the heat remains high enough to sear the shrimp properly. A quick kitchen checklist can be beneficial: thaw if frozen, pat dry, mince garlic, zest lemon, and have your cream ready just off the heat. When everything is in place, you’ll move through the recipe with confidence.

Gathering Ingredients

Gathering ingredients is more than collecting items from the pantry; it’s about selecting quality components that elevate the final dish. Start with fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Look for shrimp that have a translucent sheen, a clean ocean smell, and no strong ammonia notes. If you’re buying frozen shrimp, thaw them gently in the fridge or under cool running water, then pat them completely dry to remove surface moisture. Dry shrimp sears better, turning pink and opaque quickly rather than steaming in the pan. Garlic should be firm and plump; soft cloves can be difficult to mince and may introduce a bitter note when overcooked. Butter adds a rich base; choose a good unsalted variety to control salt levels. Heavy cream provides the signature silky finish; if you don’t have heavy cream, you can blend milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to mimic thickness, but the texture won’t be identical. Lemon brings brightness; grate the zest before slicing the lemon to capture essential oils. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finish. If you want a peppery bite, keep red pepper flakes on hand. Once you’ve gathered and prepped, you’re ready to cook, and the flavors will come together quickly in a single hot pan.

Cooking Process

The cooking process is the heart of the recipe, and the technique matters as much as the ingredients. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding olive oil along with a tablespoon of butter. The goal is a quick sear that enhances the shrimp’s sweetness; do not overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of caramelize. When the oil shimmers and the first few flecks of butter melt, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the shrimp, until they are pink and just opaque in the center. Remove them to a plate to prevent overcooking, and set aside. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned, about 30 to 60 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, whisking to blend with the garlic and loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan if using. Return the shrimp to the pan, turning them to coat evenly in the sauce. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 1 to 2 minutes. Finish with salt, pepper, and a generous amount of chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon if desired. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Variations and Tips

Creating variations of this dish lets you tailor flavor and texture to your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, reduce the cream by a few tablespoons and add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out. For a sharper garlic-forward profile, increase the garlic to five minced cloves and finish with a little extra lemon zest. If you enjoy a touch of heat, keep the red pepper flakes and consider a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper in the sauce as it simmers. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth; if you’re dairy-free, omit it and rely on a bit of nutritional yeast for a similar savoriness. For an herby lift, swap parsley for fresh basil or chives at the end. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to add color and nutrients, though this will slightly alter the sauce’s thickness. If you are cooking for kids or guests who prefer milder flavors, reduce the garlic and omit the chili flakes. Finally, always pat the shrimp dry before cooking; moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and dry shrimp will deliver a superior texture and better sauce absorption. These small adjustments unlock a world of variations while keeping the core technique intact.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy garlic shrimp shines when you pair it with a complementary base that soaks up the sauce. Classic choices include al dente pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, which provides a gentle cradle for the sauce to cling to. A bed of fluffy rice works well too, soaking up every last drop and giving you a satisfying bite. For a lighter option, try serving over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash; you still get the luxury of the creamy sauce without the heaviness of traditional pasta. A simple side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or garlic bread can complete the meal and provide additional textures. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the plated dish brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce. When plating, spoon the sauce generously over the shrimp and drizzle any remaining sauce across the pasta or greens. A sprinkle of chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest makes a striking finish. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce’s silkiness. This dish is a reliable, crowd-pleasing option for weeknight dinners and intimate gatherings alike.

Nutrition and Storage

Institutional nutrition information varies, but this dish generally delivers a protein-rich, relatively indulgent option with a balanced flavor profile. A typical serving of creamy garlic shrimp provides a good amount of protein from the shrimp, along with fats from the cream and butter that carry the garlic and lemon flavors. If you are tracking macros, you can adjust by using light cream or a dairy-free alternative, and you can pare back on butter to reduce saturated fats if needed. For storage, refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container within two hours of cooking. Consume within 2 days for best texture and flavor. Reheating is easiest on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Freezing is not recommended for best texture, as dairy-based sauces can separate after freezing and thawing. If you’re meal-prepping, consider portioning the shrimp and sauce separately and combining just before serving to preserve the creaminess. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting, flavorful option that fits well into a balanced weeknight meal plan and can be adapted to several dietary preferences with minor substitutions.

Final Presentation

A final presentation can elevate even the simplest home cooked meals. Plate the creamy garlic shrimp over a nest of pasta or a generous bed of rice, letting the sauce pool around the shrimp. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of chopped parsley and a final curl of lemon zest to capture brightness in every bite. If you are serving guests, consider a bright lemon wedge on the side and a light salad to balance the richness. For a restaurant-like appearance, wipe the edges of the plate clean and arrange the shrimp in a fan or circular pattern with sauce drizzled artfully around. The dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with a slice of citrus to enhance its fresh notes. A quick garnish of cracked pepper and a tiny amount of flaky sea salt can add a touch of sparkle. When cooked correctly, the pink shrimp glisten in the light and the creamy sauce clings to each piece, inviting you to pick up a fork and dive in. The end result should feel comforting, luxurious, and entirely doable in a 15 minute window, making it a go-to weeknight solution or a quick date night dinner that still feels special. The joy is in the simplicity and the way the flavors come together in a single pan.

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)