Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce makes it an impressive yet simple meal to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor instead of chicken broth.
• Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
• Use fresh lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter citrus flavor.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid curdling the sauce, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, steamed rice, garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet is a quick and delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic cream sauce, accented with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to make a comforting and elegant meal ready in just 20 minutes.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for approximately 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
3. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir well to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce. Warm through for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Notes

• For a wine-free version, substitute chicken broth for white wine.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity according to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
• This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Do not overcook shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.

Keywords: Creamy garlic shrimp, shrimp skillet, quick shrimp recipe, garlic cream sauce, Parmesan shrimp, easy dinner