Creamy Garlic Shrimp: A Restaurant-Worthy Dish in 20 Minutes

Looking for a quick, flavorful shrimp recipe that feels like a gourmet meal? Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the answer! This dish is rich, buttery, and infused with garlicky goodness—all coming together in just 20 minutes.
Whether you’re whipping up a midweek dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from pasta and rice to low-carb sides like zucchini noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Rich & Indulgent – A creamy, garlicky sauce packed with flavor.
✔ Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, or low-carb sides.
✔ Customizable – Make substitutions to suit your diet and taste.
What Pairs Well with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
For the Carb Lovers
🍚 Rice: A buttery garlic rice or simple white rice works beautifully.
🍝 Pasta: Toss spaghetti or fettuccine in olive oil, salt, and Parmesan.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the delicious sauce.
🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy sauce.
For the Low-Carb Enthusiasts
🥒 Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing with a nice crunch.
🥦 Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side.
🍚 Cauliflower Rice: A hearty yet low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
Best Wine Pairings for Creamy Garlic Shrimp
🍷 Dry White Wine: Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay enhance the dish’s richness.
🍾 Sparkling Moscato: A sweeter option that balances the creamy sauce.
🍇 Riesling: Perfect if you prefer a fruity, slightly sweet wine.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) shrimp (tails on or off)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1½ cups reduced-fat cream (or substitute)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
🔹 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
🔹 Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
🔹 Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
🔹 In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
🔹 Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and let it reduce by half.
🔹 Scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan—this adds depth to the sauce!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
🔹 Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the cream.
🔹 Simmer gently while stirring, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
🔹 Add Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
🔹 Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix into the sauce.
🔹 Sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Storage & Freezing Tips
🥶 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Portion out servings and freeze for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🔹 No Wine? Use chicken broth instead.
🔹 Lighter Version? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Thicker Sauce? Use heavy cream or let the sauce simmer longer.
🔹 Extra Kick? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is luxuriously rich, incredibly easy, and completely addictive. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or keeping it low-carb, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! 🍤✨