Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Quick Meals With Shrimp for Two People

Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

By: John.Morgan35 | Published onFebruary 3, 2026

Plate of easy creamy garlic shrimp served with rice and garnished with parsley

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Introducing a Delightful Dish

Nothing quite beats the enticing aroma of Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp wafting through your kitchen. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce that’s luxurious yet simple to make. It’s the perfect quick meal after a long day or a delightful dish to impress guests during special occasions. I’ve turned to this recipe time and again when I need something comforting, easy, and incredibly delicious, and I bet you’ll feel the same!

Reasons to Love This Dish

You should definitely try making Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp for several good reasons. First off, it comes together in a mere 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights! Plus, it’s budget-friendly, requiring just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special date night at home, the creamy texture and robust garlic flavor make it a winner for everyone!

“Absolutely delicious! Made it for my family, and they can’t stop raving about it. It was easy and so creamy!”

Preparing Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Ready to whip up this delightful dish? Let’s break down the steps so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll be melting butter, sautéing garlic, cooking juicy shrimp, and creating a scrumptious sauce—all in one skillet. Plus, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a gourmet meal without the restaurant price!

Gather These Items

Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein or to make it vegetarian!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss in the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Now that your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is ready, how should you serve it? Consider plating it on a bed of warm, fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up that glorious sauce. A side of garlic bread would be perfect for dipping! You could even serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your leftover shrimp fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 2-3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, ensure the dish is fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To elevate your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp, here are a few chef-approved tips:

Don’t rush the sautéing process; let the garlic cook slowly to bring out its full flavor, but be careful not to burn it!
Fresh shrimp yields the best results, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
For a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Flavor Swaps

Feel adventurous? You can tailor this dish to suit your taste! Consider adding:

A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Different cheeses such as mozzarella or cream cheese for a unique twist.

Common Questions

What’s the prep time for Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of roughly 10 minutes, making the total time around 20 minutes!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a low-fat version.

How long will leftovers stay good?

Leftover Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp will last in the fridge for 2-3 days, and in the freezer for about a month. Just remember to store it properly!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

What should I serve on the side?

This dish pairs beautifully with warm rice, pasta, or a light salad. Garlic bread also makes a great accompaniment!

Is it safe to reheat shrimp?

Yes, you can reheat shrimp, but be careful not to overcook it; doing so will make it rubbery. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe can easily be doubled, just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients.

Now that you have all the details on making this delightful dish, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the comforting flavors of Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp today.