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!