Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) is the perfect solution when you crave something indulgent but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich garlic cream sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Yet it comes together in one pan and in just fifteen minutes.
Because Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) relies on simple pantry ingredients, you can prepare it on busy weeknights without stress. Even better, the sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. So you can adapt it based on what you already have at home.
I remember the first time I made this on a hectic evening. I had barely any energy left, and takeout seemed tempting. However, I spotted shrimp in the fridge and decided to try something quick. Within minutes, garlic filled the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. The cream bubbled gently, the Parmesan melted into a silky sauce, and suddenly dinner felt special. When I served it over pasta, everyone went quiet. That's when I knew this recipe would become part of our regular rotation. Since then, Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) has saved many weeknights and impressed more guests than I can count.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth or wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Return shrimp to skillet. Coat in sauce and simmer 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
Fast Enough for Any Busy Night
Some dinners feel overwhelming before you even begin. However, Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) simplifies everything. You season the shrimp, sear them quickly, build the sauce in the same skillet, and combine everything together.
Because shrimp cook in just a few minutes, you avoid long wait times. Meanwhile, the sauce thickens rapidly once the cream and cheese combine. Therefore, the entire dish stays efficient without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, you only need one pan. So cleanup stays minimal, which makes this recipe even more appealing after a long day.
Elegant Yet Effortless
Although this dish feels gourmet, it requires no complicated techniques. Garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan create a luxurious base. Meanwhile, paprika and Italian seasoning add warmth and depth.
As a result, Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) delivers restaurant-quality flavor without demanding professional skills. You can serve it to family, guests, or even just yourself when you want something comforting yet refined.
Because the flavors balance richness with gentle heat from red pepper flakes, each bite feels layered and satisfying.
Ingredients That Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) Shine
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Shrimp cook quickly, so seasoning them beforehand ensures maximum flavor. Paprika adds subtle smokiness, while salt and pepper enhance natural sweetness.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Because fresh garlic forms the backbone of the sauce, do not skip it. Meanwhile, Parmesan thickens the cream and adds savory depth. Chicken broth lightens the richness slightly, whereas white wine introduces a subtle acidity.
Together, these ingredients create the irresistible base that defines Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins).
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)
Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp
First, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Then remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Avoid overcooking at this stage because they will return to the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
After that, pour in chicken broth or white wine. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly. This step intensifies flavor.
Next, add heavy cream and stir well. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky consistency.
Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet. Coat them thoroughly in the sauce and simmer gently for two additional minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly. Therefore, watch them closely. Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them immediately. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
When you return them to the sauce, keep the heat low and limit cooking time to prevent toughness.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth. However, if it seems too thin, let it simmer slightly longer.
You can also customize Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Each variation adds texture and color while maintaining the creamy base.
Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins)
Pair It with Pasta or Rice
Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) over fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti. The sauce clings beautifully to long noodles.
Alternatively, spoon it over fluffy white rice or even mashed potatoes. The creamy texture complements starchy sides perfectly.
Keep It Low-Carb or Light
If you prefer lighter options, serve it with steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice. Because the sauce remains flavorful, you won't miss heavier sides.
Additionally, crusty bread works wonderfully for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
2. Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy.
3. What if I don't have Parmesan?
You can use Romano or Asiago. However, freshly grated cheese melts best.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare it earlier in the day. Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of cream if needed.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins) proves that fast dinners can still feel indulgent. With tender shrimp, a rich garlic cream sauce, and endless serving options, this dish fits perfectly into busy schedules.
Because it uses simple ingredients and one pan, you can prepare it anytime without stress. Yet the flavor feels impressive enough for special occasions.
Once you try Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 mins), you'll likely return to it whenever you need a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal.
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