Description
Learn how to make Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp! This recipe features succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky, and creamy Parmesan sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp: Adding Flavor from the Start
- Combine Shrimp and Seasonings: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
2. Sear the Shrimp: Achieving a Golden-Brown Crust
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- Remove from Skillet: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce: A Rich and Flavorful Blend
- Melt Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth/Wine: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Bringing it All Together
- Return Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Coat Evenly: Toss the shrimp gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Simmer: Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve: The Finishing Touches
- Garnish: Sprinkle the Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve Hot: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
