Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Discovering this creamy garlic shrimp felt like stumbling upon a little treasure in the kitchen. I remember the moment I nailed the sauce, silky smooth and bursting with garlic flavor, turning an ordinary dinner into something special.

One evening, unexpected guests arrived and with barely any time, this dish was my lifesaver. Watching the sauce thicken and the aroma fill the air felt like magic that kept everyone happy and asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: I always pick large, peeled, and deveined ones for ease and the best juicy texture
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference for that punch of aromatic flavor
• Heavy cream: This brings the luscious richness, substitute with half-and-half if you want lighter
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for freshness and depth
• Butter & Olive oil: The combo helps get a nice sear on the shrimp and keeps the sauce velvety
• White wine (optional): Adds a subtle tang and complexity, but you can skip if you prefer
• Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes give it balance and a slight kick
• Parsley & Lemon wedges: Fresh finishing touches that brighten the dish beautifully

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Pat the shrimp dry to ensure a perfect sear. Have garlic and shallots minced finely so their fragrance blooms evenly in the sauce.

Seared to Perfection:

Heat the olive oil with butter until shimmering, then lay the shrimp in a single layer. Hear that gentle sizzle? Cook each side just until pink and opaque, the texture juicy and tender.

Build the Flavor Base:

Lower the heat and add shallots and garlic to the skillet. The scent rises quickly — fragrant but careful not to brown, keeping sweetness alive.

Deglaze for Depth:

Add white wine if using, scraping up all those browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor gold—then let it reduce till slightly thickened.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream, stirring as it gently simmers. Toss in Parmesan and red pepper flakes now to thicken and infuse with richness and a subtle warmth.

Bring It All Together:

Return shrimp to the pan, coating them lovingly in the sauce, simmering until everything’s heated through and ready to serve.

Finishing Touch:

Off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for that bright acidic note to cut through the cream.

Save to Pinterest

This dish became more than just food when I served it during a chilly autumn night—friends gathered around, the warm, creamy sauce and garlic aroma became a memory we still laugh about and crave on cold evenings.

Keeping It Fresh

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges aren’t just garnish—they add layers that brighten the creamy richness and give the dish a balanced finish that keeps you coming back for more.

When You're Missing Something

If you don’t have white wine on hand, try a splash of chicken broth or even a squeeze of fresh lemon to help balance the creaminess in a pinch.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Serving this over pasta or rice always works well, but don’t overlook crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that garlicky cream sauce.

• Always keep extra lemon wedges nearby for last minute brightening
• If you want a bit of color, toss in baby spinach just before finishing the sauce
• Remember, low and slow heat during sauce making keeps it from breaking and ensures silky texture

Save to Pinterest

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me. I hope this creamy garlic shrimp recipe becomes your soon-to-be favorite comfort dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for even cooking and rich flavor absorption.

→ Can I skip the white wine in the sauce?

Yes, the white wine is optional and can be omitted without sacrificing the creamy texture and taste.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic and shallots on medium heat just until fragrant and translucent, avoiding browning to keep flavors delicate.

→ What sides complement this dish well?

Serve this shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

→ Can I make a lighter version?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.