There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of creamy garlic shrimp. This dish, with its succulent shrimp enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce, is an instant classic that effortlessly elevates any meal. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this easy recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction without fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be eager to whip it up again and again!
Why you’ll love this dish
This creamy garlic shrimp dish brings a multitude of benefits to your dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Moreover, it’s budget-friendly; all you need are some common pantry ingredients. Families and kids adore it, thanks to its irresistible creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with both pasta and rice.
"This creamy garlic shrimp stole the show at our family dinner! Quick to make and so delicious. My kids couldn’t get enough!" – A Satisfied Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
Making Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is straightforward, with just a few simple steps to follow. You start by sautéing garlic to infuse the oil, then add the shrimp until it turns tender and pink. Next, you pour in some heavy cream to create that rich, velvety sauce. A brief simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly together, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness right before serving. Sounds simple, right? Let’s break it down further.
Gather these items
For this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)
Feel free to swap the shrimp for your favorite seafood or even chicken if desired!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Gently add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, then serve over the cooked pasta or rice, garnishing with Parmesan cheese.
Best ways to enjoy it
To make the most of this dish, serving it over a bed of al dente pasta or fluffy rice creates a perfect canvas for the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan on top for that restaurant-quality finish!
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so on low heat on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating. If you freeze it, consume within a month, but note that the texture may slightly change upon thawing and reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best flavor, make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and tender. Feel free to amp up the garlic flavor by adding an extra clove or experimenting with different herbs like basil or thyme. A splash of white wine can also enhance the sauce beautifully!
Creative twists
Want to put a spin on this dish? Try replacing shrimp with scallops or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and color. For a spicy kick, consider tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Common questions
How long does it take to make Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
You can whip up this dish in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner option.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for the best results.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful creamy garlic shrimp recipe!
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Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp in a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Gently add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, then serve over the cooked pasta or rice, garnishing with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Serve with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian