Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp – One Pan, 20 Minutes!

When you need a quick yet comforting dinner, shrimp is always a winner. This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan—simple ingredients that create big flavor.

It’s a one-pan recipe that works for busy weeknights, but it’s elegant enough for date night or dinner with guests. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. The creamy garlic flavor is cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress without stress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Versatile: Pair with pasta, rice, or veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy garlic sauce + tender shrimp = everyone’s favorite.
• Customizable: Add spice, herbs, or lemon for your own twist.
• Healthy Balance: Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein, and pairs well with light sides.

This recipe is the perfect mix of fast, flavorful, and flexible—making it one you’ll keep in regular rotation.

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:

• Shrimp – 1 pound, peeled and deveined (medium or large work best).
• Butter – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and richness.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (fresh for best flavor).
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup, for the base of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated, to thicken and add flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – to taste.
• Parsley – chopped, for a fresh garnish.
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice or pinch of red pepper flakes.

Everything is easy to find, budget-friendly, and comes together quickly.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

1. Cook the Shrimp
   • Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add 1 pound shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
   • In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
   • Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Cheese & Combine
   • Whisk in ½ cup grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
   • Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
4. Finish & Serve
   • Garnish with fresh parsley.
   • Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with bread.

That’s it—fast, creamy, and full of flavor!

You Must Know

Before making this recipe, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook very fast—just 2–3 minutes per side. If they curl too tightly or turn rubbery, they’ve gone too far.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Frozen shrimp work just fine—just thaw them properly and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder won’t deliver the same depth of flavor. Freshly minced garlic is key.
• Parmesan Quality Matters: Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best creamy texture.
• Balance the Sauce: If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Too thin? Simmer a little longer.

Keeping these points in mind makes the difference between good shrimp and perfect creamy garlic shrimp.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To elevate this dish from simple to unforgettable, pay attention to technique:

• Preheat the Pan: Hot butter gives shrimp a golden sear and locks in flavor.
• Cook in Batches (if needed): Crowding the pan makes shrimp steam instead of sear.
• Layer the Flavor: Cook shrimp first, then use the same skillet for the sauce. The browned bits at the bottom add amazing taste.
• Simmer Gently: Don’t boil the cream—keep it at a light simmer to avoid splitting.
• Finish Smart: Add shrimp back at the very end so they stay juicy, just coated in sauce, not overcooked.

With a little attention, you’ll get tender shrimp in a rich, smooth sauce every single time.

Add Your Touch Creamy Garlic Shrimp

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste:

• Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne will bring a gentle kick.
• Brighten It Up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the cream.
• Make It Herbaceous: Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or dill for extra depth.
• Go Cheesy: Add more Parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra indulgence.
• Switch the Base: Instead of pasta, try serving it over quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies for a lighter option.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini cook quickly and blend perfectly with the sauce.

This dish is your canvas—don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to make it your own.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (though it’s so good, that’s rare!), here’s how to keep them tasty:

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• Storage: Place cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as shrimp can turn rubbery.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy sauce may separate, and shrimp lose their tender texture after thawing.

Tip: Make only what you need for the freshest results. Shrimp really shines when enjoyed right after cooking.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

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• Pat Shrimp Dry: Moisture prevents browning, so blot shrimp with paper towels before cooking.
• Use a Large Skillet: A bigger pan helps shrimp cook evenly without crowding.
• Season in Layers: Lightly season shrimp first, then adjust the sauce with salt and pepper at the end.
• Don’t Rush the Garlic: Let it sauté gently for full flavor—burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp taste best fresh; plan sides ahead so everything comes together quickly.
• Upgrade the Garnish: Fresh parsley, chives, or even lemon zest make the dish look and taste more vibrant.

Small details like these take your creamy garlic shrimp from simple to unforgettable.

FAQ for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, use heavy cream or add a little extra Parmesan to thicken.

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Q: What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp (16–21 per pound) work well. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and may get lost in the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative, plus nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
Serve it with zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of what you serve it with.

Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
It’s best cooked fresh, but you can prep shrimp by cleaning and deveining earlier in the day to save time.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, one skillet, and less than 20 minutes, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The garlic cream sauce is rich and flavorful without being heavy, and the shrimp add a touch of elegance that makes it feel like something you’d order at a restaurant.

It’s versatile enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that suits any occasion. Plus, with all the tips and customization options we’ve covered, you can make it truly your own.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort—something every home cook can appreciate. Try it once, and it just might become one of those recipes you reach for again and again whenever you need something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy.