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Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is a luxurious and rewarding dish that is ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The dish features plump, tender shrimp coated in a velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It delivers impressive, restaurant-quality flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons, unsalted butter
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, from a fresh lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be very careful not to let it brown or burn, as it will become bitter.
  2. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. The key to tender shrimp is not to overcook them! Once cooked, immediately remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  3. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  4. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it bubble gently for another minute or two to thicken slightly.
  5. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the shrimp is coated in that beautiful, creamy sauce. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce. To get a good sear, do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; cook them in batches if necessary. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough. For variations, add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of white wine to the sauce.