What is the best shrimp to use for creamy garlic shrimp?

Jumbo or large shrimp are ideal because they remain juicy and tender while searing and can hold up well in the rich garlic cream sauce. Make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating. Frozen shrimp works perfectly — just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make creamy garlic shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead. Cook the shrimp and store separately from the sauce for best texture. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, then toss in the shrimp just before serving to avoid overcooking. It's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still taste great when properly reheated.

How do I thicken or thin the garlic cream sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a little longer uncovered, stirring frequently to allow excess moisture to evaporate. To thin a sauce that has thickened (especially after refrigeration), add a splash of cream, milk, or even pasta water and stir gently over low heat until the desired consistency is reached.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Easy Comfort Dinner

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: for searing the shrimp; 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed: main protein; 1/4 teaspoon salt: basic seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: adds mild heat; 2 tablespoons butter: base for the garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: bold flavor foundation; 2 tablespoons white wine: deglazing and depth of flavor; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: creamy sauce base; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: herby flavor; 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded: adds tang and richness; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: garnish and freshness

Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick, 15-minute seafood dinner made with juicy jumbo shrimp seared and coated in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce. This comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons vegetable oil: for searing the shrimp
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed: main protein
1/4 teaspoon salt: basic seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: adds mild heat
2 tablespoons butter: base for the garlic sauce
1 tablespoon garlic, minced: bold flavor foundation
2 tablespoons white wine: deglazing and depth of flavor
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: creamy sauce base
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: herby flavor
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded: adds tang and richness
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: garnish and freshness

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Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for about 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and shredded white cheddar. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
Pat shrimp dry before searing for a golden crust.
Use fresh garlic for deeper flavor over garlic powder.
If the sauce thickens too much after storing, add a splash of water or cream when reheating.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Seafood
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 510
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 300mg