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Creamy Garlic Shrimp

A comforting weeknight dinner that pairs shrimp with a rich garlic and cream sauce, easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined wild-caught if possible for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons butter for a golden, rich base; substitute with olive oil for lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced the star that gives this dish its soul
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a gentle heat
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth deglazes the pan and adds depth; use broth as non-alcohol alternative
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk heavy cream makes it silky; coconut milk keeps it dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds savory, cheesy notes; nutritional yeast is a dairy-free substitute
  • 1 each lemon, zest and juice brightens and balances the richness
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness
  • as needed cooked pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
  3. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
  4. Remove shrimp to a plate — they will finish cooking in the sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly syrupy.
  2. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan slowly, whisking to achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.
  3. Return the shrimp to the skillet, add lemon zest and juice, and simmer for 1 minute to marry the flavors.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve over your favorite base.

Notes

For variations, swap shrimp for scallops or chicken; make it spicy with smoked paprika; stir in herbs like basil or tarragon; add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.