Creamy Garlic Shrimp: A Luxurious, Easy Weeknight Dinner

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe, a dish that brings elegance to your weeknight meals without the fuss. With tender shrimp cooked to perfection in a silky garlic cream sauce, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether served over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

One of my earliest memories of dining out as a kid was enjoying a big plate of garlic shrimp at a cozy seaside restaurant. The rich aroma of garlic mingled with the briny sweetness of the shrimp made for an unforgettable meal. I’ve tried to recreate that magic at home ever since, and this Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe comes incredibly close. It’s not just a dish, but a connection to those warm, breezy nights by the sea. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation—giving us a little taste of that seaside luxury anytime we want.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp:

Luxuriously Creamy: The combination of cream, butter, and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s utterly indulgent.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or steamed veggies to create a meal that suits your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its gourmet flavor, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it great for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:

15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
450g (1 lb) shrimp, tails on or off
0.25 tsp salt, to taste
0.25 tsp black pepper, to taste
30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
120ml (0.5 cup) dry white wine or chicken broth
360ml (1.5 cups) reduced-fat cream
50g (0.5 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Prepare the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are just cooked through and pink. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to reduce by half.
Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate the Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce gently simmer for another minute until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Finish the Dish: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Notes:

Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that still adds depth to the sauce.
Cheese Selection: For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties, which can be less flavorful.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add some sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli into the dish for added texture and nutrients.
Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp.