Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed before cooking. Rinse under cold water and pat dry to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Keep in mind, these alternatives may slightly change the sauce’s thickness and flavor.

How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking by removing shrimp from the heat as soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. This typically takes just 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat gently before adding freshly cooked shrimp.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

This creamy garlic shrimp is a quick and indulgent one-pan meal that combines juicy shrimp with a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for beginner cooks, it’s ready in under 20 minutes and ideal for a cozy dinner or a last-minute gourmet dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a flavorful crust and ensures even seasoning.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and curl. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Make the Garlic Base: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown.
Build the Cream Sauce: Add chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Continue to stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently mix to coat them with the sauce. Let everything heat together for 2 more minutes so the flavors can blend and the shrimp are warmed through.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with toasted bread.

Notes

You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the shrimp. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended over pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce. Always prep ingredients in advance as the cooking process moves quickly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
Calories: 385
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 220mg