Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and delicious dinner option that combines tender shrimp with a rich, flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting yet elegant.

Ingredients
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled (tails on or off)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado oil, olive oil, refined coconut oil, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, at room temperature
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, to taste
- Mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, mashed palmini, prepared pasta, or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the shrimp by laying them out in a single layer on a cutting board. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly and wait until the oil shimmers before adding the shrimp.
- Step 3: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until pink and slightly curled. Flip and cook for another minute until opaque and shaped like a “J”. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 5: Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the shrimp and garlic. Let the wine reduce by half, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 7: Stir in chopped parsley and return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately over your preferred base such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or over crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Storage
Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp and separating the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can help restore sauce consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
What type of white wine is best for this dish?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay work best as they add brightness without overpowering the creamy sauce.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This quick and elegant skillet recipe is ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled, tails on or off
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado oil, olive oil, refined coconut oil, etc.)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more or less to taste
- ¾ cup grated fresh Parmesan, at room temperature
- Finely chopped fresh parsley to taste
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or mashed Palmini
- Prepared pasta of choice or prepared Palmini
- Rice or cauliflower rice
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: Lay out your shrimp on a cutting board in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip them over and repeat on the other side to ensure even seasoning. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the shrimp’s flavor.
- Heat your skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or refined coconut oil. Swirl the pan to coat evenly. When the oil is shimmering, proceed to cook the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and begin to curl slightly. Flip the shrimp and cook for another minute until they form a “J” shape and are fully opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
- Make the garlic sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from cooking the shrimp and garlic. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Add the cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then add ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Finish the dish: Stir in chopped fresh parsley, then return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or your choice of side.
Notes
- Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for deglazing; if you prefer, substitute with chicken broth or omit for a non-alcoholic option.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
- Serve over various bases like mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal or traditional pasta for a classic experience.
- Be cautious when cooking garlic to avoid burning, which can impart bitterness to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese at room temperature incorporates more smoothly into the sauce.
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, garlic shrimp recipe, shrimp in cream sauce, quick shrimp dinner, skillet shrimp recipe

