Ultimate Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Printable Version)

Succulent shrimp in a rich garlicky cream sauce ready in 20 minutes for weeknight meals.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dairy

05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Other

08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, shallot, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Return shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss to coat and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in under five minutes and tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • Shrimp cook so fast you can have this on the table before takeout would arrive.
  • It feels fancy enough for guests but forgiving enough for a Tuesday night scramble.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the shrimp or they'll turn rubbery. They're done the moment they turn opaque and curl slightly.
  • If your sauce looks thin, let it simmer another minute. If it's too thick, splash in a little pasta water or broth.
03 -
  • Reserve a spoonful of pasta water if you're serving this over noodles. It loosens the sauce and helps it cling.
  • Mince the garlic by hand instead of using a press. It releases less moisture and caramelizes better in the butter.
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