Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a quick yet indulgent meal. With its rich garlic and parmesan cream sauce, this dish transforms simple shrimp into a luxurious experience in just 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a versatile choice for any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a creamy sauce that elevates the shrimp to gourmet status.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with bread for a delightful meal that suits any occasion.
- Easy Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an accessible recipe for all home cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This creamy garlic shrimp is sure to impress family and friends with its delicious taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your culinary journey with creamy garlic shrimp, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook the shrimp evenly while also preparing the sauce in one pan.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for seasoning the shrimp before cooking; helps blend flavors thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping them until cooked through.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet used for the shrimp.
1. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth or Wine
Stir in chicken broth or white wine into the skillet.
1. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
1. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Return cooked shrimp back into the pan.
1. Stir gently to coat them with the creamy sauce.
2. Simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your creamy garlic shrimp with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Creamy garlic shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Whether it’s pasta, rice, or crusty bread, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal.
With Pasta
- Spaghetti: Toss your spaghetti in the creamy sauce for a delightful combination.
- Fettuccine: The wide noodles hold onto the sauce, creating a rich experience.
- Penne: The tube shape captures bits of shrimp and garlic.
Over Rice
- White Rice: Simple and fluffy rice makes an excellent base for soaking up the sauce.
- Brown Rice: A nuttier flavor that adds texture while remaining healthy.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is light yet satisfying.
With Crusty Bread
- Baguette: Freshly baked baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Enhance the garlic flavor by serving with buttery garlic bread.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be used to scoop up every bit of creamy goodness.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp
To achieve the best creamy garlic shrimp, follow these simple tips.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Cook until just pink to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Choose quality cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers richer flavor than pre-grated options.
- Simmer gently: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly for optimal thickness without burning.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, enhancing presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with creamy garlic shrimp can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
- Roasted Broccoli: Crispy roasted broccoli brings depth and balances the richness of the dish.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa is a healthy alternative that complements the flavors well.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini keeps it light while adding a fun twist to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making creamy garlic shrimp, a few common mistakes can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
- Not properly seasoning the shrimp: Always season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking. This enhances their natural flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Using low-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese. This makes a significant difference in taste.
- Skipping the sauce reduction: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps concentrate its flavors. Don’t rush this step for optimal results.
- Ignoring garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this final touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to leave some space in the container as the sauce may expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about creamy garlic shrimp, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Choose your favorite side for a complete meal!
How can I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp healthier?
To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Can I add vegetables to my Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Spinach or asparagus make great additions and complement the flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic shrimp is a quick yet indulgent dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table. Its versatility allows for various sides and customization options like adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and indulgent dish that elevates your dinner table with its luxurious garlic and parmesan cream sauce. In just 15 minutes, you can transform simple shrimp into a gourmet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for any gathering. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth or white wine; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes).
- Return shrimp to the skillet; coat in sauce and heat through (about 2 minutes).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
