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Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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Looking for a quick yet decadent dinner that feels like a treat?

This creamy garlic shrimp is your answer. With tender shrimp coated in a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce,

it’s a dish that delivers big on flavor without the fuss.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is sure to impress—

perfect for a weeknight or special occasion!

For the Shrimp

  • Shrimp – Use medium-sized, peeled, deveined shrimp (tails on or off depending on your preference).
  • Salt – Season to taste.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Season to taste.
  • Neutral Oil – For cooking the shrimp (avocado oil, olive oil, or refined coconut oil work well).

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
  • Garlic – Minced for a fragrant base.
  • Chicken Broth – To deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream – The base of the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Salt – Season to taste.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adjust according to preference.
  • Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smooth, rich finish.
  • Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped for garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.

Serving Suggestions (All Optional)

  • Mashed Potatoes – Traditional side.
  • Prepared Pasta – Any pasta of your choice.
  • Rice or Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb option if preferred.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Craving a dish that's both indulgent and quick? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe brings together tender shrimp and a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce for a meal that's perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a busy weeknight.
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Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Notes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp
  • 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado oil, olive oil, refined coconut oil, etc.)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth 
  • 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan, at room temperature
  • Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Sides
  • Mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or mashed palmini
  • Prepared pasta or palmini pasta
  • Rice or cauliflower rice
 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Shrimp:
    • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a cutting board.
    • Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    • Set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer.
    • Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another minute or until the shrimp turns pink, opaque, and curls into a "J" shape.
    • Transfer the cooked shrimp to a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
    • Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
    • Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the Pan:
    • Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Let the broth reduce by half.
  5. Add the Cream:
    • Lower the heat to medium-low and add 1 cup of heavy cream.
    • Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
  6. Season the Sauce:
    • Once the sauce is simmering, add ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
    • Stir, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Add the Parmesan:
    • Stir in ¾ cup of grated Parmesan until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
  8. Finish the Dish:
    • Sprinkle the sauce with finely chopped parsley and gently stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the shrimp to coat.
 

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy garlic shrimp immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy the rich, cheesy sauce with your favorite side.

Nutrition

Calories: 280.25 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.5g | Protein: 12.8g | Fat: 25.1g | Saturated Fat: 14.1g |  Cholesterol: 101.3mg | Sodium: 185.3mg | Potassium: 154.8mg | Fiber: 0.25g | Sugar: 0.8g |  Vitamin A: 252.5 IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 186.3mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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  1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw?

You can! But for the best results, raw shrimp are your go-to. They cook up beautifully and soak in all that creamy goodness. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just add them to the sauce near the end to avoid overcooking!

  1. Can I substitute the chicken broth?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of chicken broth, simply swap it out with seafood broth or vegetable broth. It’ll still give you that rich depth without the alcohol—just as tasty!

  1. How do I stop the cream from curdling?

It’s all about controlling the heat. Keep the sauce on medium-low when adding the cream, and don’t let it boil. Plus, using room-temperature cream will help keep the texture smooth.

  1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You bet! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up, cook the shrimp, and combine them for a quick and easy dinner.

  1. What should I serve this with?

This creamy garlic shrimp goes perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Pair it with a fresh salad, and you’re all set!

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