Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and delicious 15-minute recipe featuring succulent large shrimp seared to perfection and enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper ensuring each piece is well coated for even flavor.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes flipping to cook each side until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden without burning.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Stir in chicken broth or white wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream, stirring thoroughly. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them well with the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve hot alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For extra texture and flavor, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes as suggested in variations.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease of cooking and better texture.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to maintain their tenderness and juiciness.
