This creamy garlic shrimp dish is rich and comforting. Juicy shrimp cooked in a dreamy sauce made of garlic, cream, and a sprinkle of herbs will make your taste buds dance!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I like to serve it over pasta or with warm bread, but honestly, eating it straight from the pan is totally acceptable too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, but you can use smaller shrimp or even prawns. If you prefer non-seafood options, try cooked chicken or tofu for a similar creamy dish.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my choice for flavor, but any cooking oil can work. If you’re aiming for a light version, almond or avocado oil are great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can substitute, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon). I love a bit of extra garlic for that punch, so don’t shy away from adding more!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option while still achieving creaminess.
Chicken Broth: You can easily swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth gives a deeper flavor, but store-bought works well for convenience.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is used here, but you could substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Make Sure the Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic adds an unbeatable flavor, but it can burn quickly if you’re not careful. To prevent burnt garlic, keep an eye on the heat level.
- Start with medium-high heat, then reduce it to medium when adding garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for just about 30 seconds until it’s golden and fragrant. If it darkens, you’ll want to discard it, as it can turn bitter.
- Always have other ingredients ready to quickly add after garlic, so you don’t let it sit too long in the pan.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes to get this creamy garlic shrimp ready. It’s quick and so tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit and add the minced garlic along with the red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes; this will enhance the flavor. Then, lower the heat even more and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cheese and Lemon:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you like.
5. Bring Back the Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes just to heat everything through. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of cooked rice, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter substitute for heavy cream. However, the sauce may be less thick and creamy. To achieve a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of cold water to the sauce while it simmers.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover creamy garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, consider using Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast; just start with a smaller amount, as it has a strong flavor, and taste as you go!
