Getting a satisfying, restaurant-quality dinner on your table takes just about 30 minutes with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe. It's rich, flavorful, and surprisingly straightforward—a perfect weeknight winner.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I genuinely adore this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe because it combines comfort and elegance without any fuss. The way the creamy sauce clings to each juicy shrimp is just irresistible, and it always feels like a little celebration at the dinner table.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need right in your pantry or fridge.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, it’s about 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The sauce is decadently smooth, thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan blend.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it pairs beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is a delightful melody of flavors—the garlic and white wine build a savory base, while the cream and Parmesan add depth and silkiness. Each ingredient has a role, making sure every bite sings.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are key—they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Olive Oil: For that initial sear, it adds subtle fruitiness and keeps shrimp tender.
- Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity; Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that bright, pungent aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Helps build body in the sauce without overpowering flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings herby warmth that rounds out the dish.
- Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tang and depth—you’d be surprised how much it lifts the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The heart of the creamy sauce—makes it luscious and velvety.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and umami boost.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness perfectly.
- Cold Butter: Swirled in at the end for a glossy finish and extra silky texture.
- Fresh Parsley: For color and a fresh, herbaceous note right before serving.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. I love to tweak the herbs or swap in veggies depending on what I have around. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it forgiving and flexible.
- Variation: Sometimes I add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes towards the end for a pop of color and freshness—it’s a great way to sneak in some greens.
- Dietary swaps: For a lighter twist, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich but will still deliver on flavor.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic if you like a little heat—this always gets rave reviews from friends.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Shrimp
Before you start, make sure your shrimp are fully thawed if frozen. I like to pat them dry with paper towels—that helps get a nice sear without steaming. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 1 minute and 20 seconds on each side, no more, or you risk rubbery shrimp. Use a timer if it helps! Once done, remove them to a clean plate, knowing they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Right in the same skillet (don’t clean it), pour in the dry white wine and toss in the minced garlic. Let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces by about half—that’s your flavor concentrate. Next, add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and mustard powder. Bring it to a gentle boil and simmer for 6-7 minutes so the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully. Then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Butter
Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan—stash that pre-grated stuff away for this! Stir gently until it melts into the sauce, creating that irresistibly creamy texture. Add the shrimp back to the pan and warm through for just 30 seconds. Then toss in cold butter, tilting the pan to swirl it around until melted and glossy. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.
Top Tip
From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and prevent common pitfalls.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Using a timer is your best friend here; shrimp go from perfectly tender to rubbery in seconds.
- Fresh Parmesan Really Matters: Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy. Always grate your Parm fresh for smooth melting.
- Low Heat for Dairy: When adding cream and cheese, keep heat low to avoid curdling or separating the sauce.
- Finish with Lemon Off Heat: Adding lemon juice on high heat can cause cream to curdle—so stir it in just before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I love a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds such a pretty color contrast and a hint of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness just right. Sometimes, a little extra lemon zest over the top adds a zingy surprise.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with linguine or fettuccine tossed in a bit of olive oil or butter for soaking up the sauce. I also often serve it alongside crusty Italian bread to mop up every last silky bite. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans are lovely if you want a lower-carb option.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to spoon the creamy shrimp over a bed of buttery risotto or use the sauce as a dip for garlic bread on the side. Serving it family-style in the skillet right on the table is always a hit—it keeps things warm and feels cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend eating within 3 days for the best flavor and texture. The shrimp hold up well, but the cream sauce can start to separate a little after that.
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze this creamy shrimp dish since cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy after thawing, which changes the texture considerably. If you do want to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible since it can cook shrimp unevenly and cause the sauce to break.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices because they complement the garlic and lemon flavors without overpowering the sauce.
To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
The key is to add the cream and cheese over low heat and avoid boiling once dairy is added. Also, add lemon juice off the heat to prevent the acidity from curdling the sauce. Gentle stirring helps maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels both special and effortless. It’s that kind of dish you can lean on for a cozy night in or impress guests without breaking a sweat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—be sure to try it with your favorite sides and maybe a splash of your favorite white wine on the side!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers tender shrimp sautéed to perfection and coated in a luscious, garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce with hints of white wine and fresh lemon. Ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Measure out ingredients beforehand. Thaw and pat dry the shrimp, removing shell, tail, and veins if necessary. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side using a timer to prevent overcooking. Remove shrimp to a clean plate as they will continue cooking slightly.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, add white wine and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce the liquid by half, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and mustard powder. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until thickened and flavors concentrate. Reduce heat to low.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Ensure the heat is low to avoid sauce separation.
- Return Shrimp and Finish: Add the shrimp back into the skillet and heat through for 30 seconds. Add cold butter, swirling the pan to melt and emulsify the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice gently.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately. Pair with pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
- To serve with pasta: Cook up to ½ lb. pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest. Toss pasta with the shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to enhance the sauce's texture.
- Shrimp size: Large shrimp labeled 26/30 per pound works best. Both fresh and frozen shrimp can be used.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a wedge for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Avoid adding cheese to overly hot sauce to prevent grainy texture.
- When adding lemon juice, ensure heat is low or off to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio complement the flavors well; chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic substitute.
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, linguine, crusty bread, mashed or roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, and creamy herb pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; not recommended for freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
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