Get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with our beloved Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a dish that combines the succulent taste of shrimp with a heavenly garlic-infused cream sauce, and it comes together in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Enjoy a gourmet meal in just 15 minutes, thanks to this speedy preparation.
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan sauce turns simple shrimp into something luxurious.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal tailored to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a few staple ingredients can transform into a decadent Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor and texture that’ll tantalize your taste buds!
- Unsalted Butter: This helps achieve the perfect base by lightly browning the shrimp and adding a creamy richness to the sauce.
- Shrimp: Go for jumbo if you can; their meatiness really complements the rich sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star, bringing a delightful aroma and bold flavor to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious texture that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh, it enhances the flavor profile with a savory, nutty touch.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the creamy setup.
Variations
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to tailor to your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few irresistible variations to try during your culinary explorations.
- Wine-Infused Sauce: Swap half of the stock for white wine to add a deeper, more sophisticated flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Herby Delight: Mix in fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist that pairs delightfully with the garlic.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn opaque and pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, set them aside and keep the pan juices to build your sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the stock, letting it simmer until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly. Next, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, then serve hot over your favorite accompaniment like rice, pasta, or even a crisp green salad.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Optimal Shrimp Size: Opting for larger shrimp helps absorb the creamy sauce better, adding more flavor to each bite.
- Simmer for Thickness: Allow the cream and stock to simmer gently until it reaches the desired thickness without rushing the process.
- Fresh Garlic Benefits: Using fresh garlic as opposed to garlic powder elevates the dish with its robustness and zest.
- Balanced Seasoning: Taste before serving to ensure the perfect harmony between salt and the other flavors in the sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, top the dish with extra grated Parmesan and a hint of freshly ground black pepper. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a perfect match for a plate of fluffy rice, a smooth bed of mashed potatoes, or even a generous serving of polenta to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in elegant individual bowls for each guest. A garnish of colorful microgreens or edible flowers can elevate the presentation into a fine dining experience right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish keeps its flavor well, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
While this recipe is best when fresh, it can be frozen. Place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on a gentle heat in a saucepan, and if the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of stock or water to regain the desired consistency. Stir gently to avoid breaking the shrimp apart.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe with frozen shrimp?
Absolutely, just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure evenness and avoid excess water in the dish.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, let it simmer for longer to reduce more. Avoid flour or starch for thickening as it may affect the texture.
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Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but bear in mind that the sauce will not be as rich or thick.
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Is it okay to substitute the Parmesan with another cheese?
You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for similar results, though the flavor profile will slightly change.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a true testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create a delightful, restaurant-quality dish at home. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a luscious and savory dish that blends succulent shrimp with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta, delivering comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons (26 g) unsalted butter
- 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until they turn opaque and are cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Jumbo shrimp is recommended for the best presentation and flavor, but any size will work.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine or additional stock during the sauce preparation.
- Ensure side dishes are prepped and ready to serve when the shrimp are cooked.
- Freshly grated parmesan provides the best flavor; avoid pre-grated cheeses.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, thinning with a little water if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 320 mg
