Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed; 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)

A velvety, garlicky shrimp dish that feels luxurious yet comes together in about 15 minutes using just one skillet—perfect for an easy, indulgent weeknight meal. I love how it tastes like takeout but is so much simpler to make at home.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s quick, creamy, and full of flavor. The garlic-infused sauce feels indulgent, but it only takes about 15 minutes and one pan. It’s the ideal fancy-looking dinner that doesn’t require fuss—definitely better than takeout.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
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, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Season the shrimp: I toss the shrimp in paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Sear the shrimp: Over medium-high heat, I warm the olive oil in a skillet then cook the shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked. I set them aside.
Make the creamy sauce: Lowering the heat to medium, I melt the butter, sauté the garlic until fragrant (about a minute), then add the broth or wine. I simmer for 2–3 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
Add cream and cheese: I stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, simmering for another 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine & serve: Back into the skillet go the shrimp—I coat them in the sauce and let everything warm through for about 2 minutes.
Garnish & enjoy: I finish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve the dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–4 (depending on appetite and sides)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Add spinach: I sometimes stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end—it wilts into the sauce for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy twist: A pinch of extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning gives it a nice kick.
Cheese swap: I alternate between Parmesan and white cheddar depending on what I have—I enjoy both.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat (5–10 minutes) or microwave it, occasionally stirring. I add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much in storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—I thaw them completely, pat them dry, and then season just as I would with fresh shrimp to avoid excess moisture.

2. What can I serve this with?

I love it over pasta or rice. On lighter nights, I pair it with steamed veggies or a simple salad.

3. Is it safe to freeze?

I don’t recommend freezing this because the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.

4. Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich—it will be thinner. I suggest reducing the broth slightly if using milk to help it thicken.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! I swap butter for a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free cream or full-fat coconut milk, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp is my go-to when I want something tasty, creamy, and quick. It feels indulgent but is totally doable on busy nights—all you need is one pan and about 15 minutes. I love how it looks and tastes gourmet without the prep or cleanup. Let me know how it turns out or if you try a variation!