Introduction

Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a luscious, velvety garlic cream sauce. The sauce — rich with butter, cream, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan — perfectly coats each shrimp for an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal.

It’s a dish that feels elegant enough for a date night yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a crusty loaf of bread, every bite is pure comfort and flavor.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortlessly delicious. The shrimp cooks in minutes, and the garlic cream sauce transforms a simple seafood dish into something indulgent and satisfying. The balance of creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavors creates an irresistible harmony.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can serve it in countless ways, from a cozy bowl of creamy pasta to a low-carb option over sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles. The aroma of garlic and butter filling the kitchen is simply irresistible!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is a must-try because it combines rich flavors, minimal ingredients, and fast cooking time. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ready in just 25 minutes
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Creamy without feeling heavy
Restaurant flavor made at home

If you love creamy pasta, garlic, and shrimp — this dish will become an instant favorite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 460 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and sear shrimp. Remove and set aside.
Make creamy garlic sauce in the same pan.
Return shrimp to coat in sauce.
Garnish and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in lemon juice (optional) and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile! Serve it with:

Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a creamy seafood pasta.
Rice: White, jasmine, or wild rice to soak up the sauce.
Vegetables: Over steamed broccoli, zucchini noodles, or asparagus.
Bread: With crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce.

Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they only need a few minutes.
Stir the sauce continuously to avoid curdling.
For a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes.
For lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the cream and make a buttery garlic lemon sauce.
Spinach Shrimp Cream Sauce: Add a handful of fresh spinach before combining shrimp and sauce.
Cajun Cream Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
Mushroom Garlic Shrimp: Add sautéed mushrooms for a richer flavor.
Shrimp Alfredo: Serve this sauce over fettuccine for a classic seafood Alfredo.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when thawed.
Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat or in a microwave at 50% power. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Whisk (for smooth sauce)
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this without cream?
You can use coconut milk or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Q3: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.

Q4: Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
You can use Romano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different flavor.

Q5: Can I make this spicy?
Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is a dreamy, comforting dish that’s rich yet delicate, flavorful yet simple. The creamy garlic sauce, buttery shrimp, and subtle hint of Parmesan come together to create an unforgettable meal that tastes straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

It’s the kind of recipe that can turn an ordinary evening into something special — whether it’s date night, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in. One bite and you’ll be hooked on its creamy, garlicky perfection!