Looking for a quick, impressive dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes) recipe is your perfect solution. Ready in just a quarter of an hour, it’s rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re cooking for guests or a weeknight treat, this dish will leave everyone wanting more.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master this delicious shrimp recipe with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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Quick & Easy – Ready in only 15 minutes!
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Minimal Ingredients – Uses kitchen staples you likely already have.
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Restaurant-Quality Taste – Luxurious creamy garlic sauce.
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Versatile – Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes), gather the following ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Required Kitchen Tools
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Garlic press or knife
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Spatula or wooden spoon
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes
1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This ensures the shrimp will sear beautifully and absorb more flavor.
2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove them and set aside to prevent overcooking.
4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir gently to incorporate the garlic bits. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
5: Add Cheese and Finish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt and thicken the sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them well. Simmer for another minute.
6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Best Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture.
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Use Fresh Garlic: It brings out the most aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
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Thicken the Sauce: If you like it thicker, let the cream simmer a bit longer or add a touch more Parmesan.
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Add Veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms go well with this dish.
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For a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
What to Serve with Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
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Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are perfect partners.
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Steamed Rice: Soaks up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
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Zoodles: For a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
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Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into that luscious sauce.
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Side Salad: A light arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Sugar: 1g
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Fiber: 0g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
Milk can be used, but it won’t yield the same rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fats and protein—perfect for a keto meal, especially when served with zoodles or veggies.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
There you have it — a restaurant-quality Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes) dish that you can whip up in no time. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a last-minute meal for guests, or just a satisfying weekday dinner, this recipe delivers every time.