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Creamy Garlic Shrimp stands out as an easy restaurant-style meal for hectic weeknights or a special treat at home. Succulent shrimp nestle in a velvety garlic sauce made from pantry staples, so you get rich flavor without fuss. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, making it perfect for spooning over your favorite pasta or a fluffy bed of rice.
The first time I made this, I was amazed at how such a simple list of ingredients transformed into a luxurious sauce my whole family devoured. Now it is the meal I reach for whenever I need something impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: choose fresh or frozen that are peeled and deveined for the quickest prep and the sweetest flavor
- Unsalted butter: gives richness and helps toast the garlic choose high quality for best flavor
- Garlic: minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma and depth
- Heavy cream: the secret to a lush silky sauce use a good cream for best results
- Chicken broth: helps thin and round out the sauce pick a low sodium broth if you want more control over the seasoning
- Italian seasoning: brightens the profile with herbs make sure your spice jar is fresh for full flavor
- Salt and pepper: adjust to taste and add in layers at every step
- Fresh parsley for garnish: adds color and a burst of freshness pick vibrant green bunches
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): for sweetness and color go for ripe firm tomatoes
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): for umami and richness freshly grated Parmesan melts best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp:
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure even browning. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about one minute. This builds the base layer of flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp to the skillet. Lay them in a single layer and cook two to three minutes per side, watching for them to turn pink and just opaque. Promptly remove to avoid overcooking and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet add the rest of the butter, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk to combine and bring just to a simmer. This forms the body of your sauce.
- Season the Sauce:
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. If you want more color and pop, stir in cherry tomatoes at this point.
- Finish with Shrimp and Cheese:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently simmer two to three minutes so the shrimp absorb the sauce. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it in and stir until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off heat, top with plenty of fresh parsley. Spoon over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
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Fresh parsley adds a clean herby finish I love how scattering it on top wakes up the richness of the sauce and the whole dish reminds me of family nights gathered around the table with garlic in the air and everyone reaching for seconds
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator They keep well for two days Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to return the sauce to its original consistency Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating as they can turn rubbery
Ingredient Substitutions
No heavy cream Try half and half for a lighter texture Add a dab of cream cheese if you want extra body Out of chicken broth A little vegetable broth works Or splash in some dry white wine for added depth If you are not a fan of shrimp this sauce loves scallops or even chunks of white fish
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy shrimp with spaghetti linguine or fettuccine A bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully For a lower carb option spoon the shrimp and sauce over spiralized zucchini or roasted cauliflower
A Nod to Tradition
Creamy shrimp dishes have roots in classic French and Italian cooking traditions While this version simplifies things for the home cook the garlic cream sauce nods to timeless restaurant favorites like shrimp scampi and creamy alfredo Bringing this to your table is a small taste of old world luxury any night of the week
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side, then immediately remove from heat.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or light cream for a less rich, but still creamy, sauce.
- → What side dishes pair well with this shrimp?
Pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles make excellent bases for this creamy shrimp. Add a simple salad for balance.
- → How can I add extra flavor or heat?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to the sauce for added complexity and a touch of spice.