Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a flavorful and creamy garlic shrimp dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Amber Walsh

Created by

Amber Walsh

Last updated on 2025-12-11T12:49:40.195Z

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightful dish that will impress everyone at your table. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes
  • Rich and creamy garlic sauce that enhances the shrimp flavor
  • Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread

A Quick Dinner Solution

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious meal can be a challenge. This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is here to save the day! With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family or guests. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.

The simplicity of this recipe allows anyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs, to create a stunning dish with minimal effort. The combination of fresh shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce means you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your meal and the company of those around you.

Flavorful Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the large shrimp, which are not only delicious but also quick to cook. When sautéed in butter with garlic, they absorb all those wonderful flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. Pairing the shrimp with a creamy sauce elevates the dish even further, adding a luxurious touch that feels indulgent yet is so easy to prepare.

The use of heavy cream is key to achieving that silky texture that coats the shrimp perfectly. Combined with garlic and paprika, it creates a sauce that is both comforting and flavorful, making it a versatile option that complements pasta, rice, or even crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this creamy garlic shrimp, the possibilities are endless. For a hearty meal, toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, allowing the noodles to soak up the delicious flavors. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying dinner that will keep you full and happy.

If you're looking for a lighter option, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. And don't forget the crusty bread! It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy garlic sauce, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Gather all your ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother.

Instructions

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add paprika, stirring well.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Serve your creamy garlic shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Customization Options

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat. Alternatively, you can toss in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will still provide a creamy texture without the extra calories.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.

It’s not recommended to freeze the shrimp once it’s cooked, as the texture may change upon thawing. Enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture!

Pairing Recommendations

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing this creamy garlic shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a balanced palate.

For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast. This pairing will elevate your meal, making it feel even more special.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp (15 Minutes)

Enjoy a flavorful and creamy garlic shrimp dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Amber Walsh

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: Serves 4

What You'll Need

For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp

  1. 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 4 tablespoons butter
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add paprika, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 03

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 24g