Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a delicious, quick and easy 15-minute meal (yes, including prep!) that absolutely deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Juicy jumbo shrimp are seared to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. The result? A comforting seafood dinner that’s luxurious yet simple enough to whip up anytime. Serve it over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, or keep things cozy with some crusty bread for dunking. This dish is pure comfort food goals.
Shrimp is one of my go-to ingredients for super fast dinners because it cooks in just minutes. And if you know me, you know I’m all about the easy 30-minute meals around here. But a 15-minute dinner, prep included? That’s a no-brainer win. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or when you’re craving something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part? This creamy garlic shrimp recipe has that rich, decadent flavor you’d expect from a fancy restaurant, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. The creamy garlic sauce clings to every bite of tender shrimp, making it feel indulgent without being complicated. It’s cozy, impressive, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
If you liked this recipe, you should try our Creamy Tuscan Shrimp or Shrimp Alfredo next.
This creamy garlic shrimp over fresh red mashed potatoes was perhaps the very best meal I've ever made for myself! It was so good I could hardly believe it and wish I'd had someone to share it with. It was even better than shrimp and grits I've had at good restaurants. Exquisite, thank you for the recipe!
- Edgar ★★★★★
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy. This dish takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, including prep time! That means you can have a delicious seafood dinner on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout. It’s the ultimate weeknight hack for busy nights.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff. You don’t need anything fancy here — just shrimp, garlic, cream, and a few pantry staples. Yet the end result tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is a dreamy blend of garlic, butter, cream, and cheese that’s thick, luscious, and bursting with flavor. Every shrimp is coated in pure garlicky goodness, making each bite irresistible.
- Family-friendly comfort food. This recipe delivers indulgent flavors that both kids and adults love. It feels fancy but is approachable enough to win over picky eaters, making it a solid go-to for family dinners.
- Perfect for entertaining. Even though it’s easy, this dish has a wow factor. The creamy garlic sauce and plump shrimp make it an elegant choice for dinner parties, holidays, or date nights at home.
Jump to:
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make delicious creamy garlic shrimp, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities)::
- vegetable oil - Helps the shrimp sear without sticking. Olive oil or avocado oil are great substitutes.
- shrimp - I used jumbo shrimp, but you can use any kind shrimp or prawns. Frozen shrimp (thawed first) works too. You also want to peel, devein, and remove the tails for easy eating. Peeled, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating. To prepare the shrimp, cut through the shell along the back with kitchen scissors. Remove the shells and tails, and rinse to remove the veins. Pat dry each shrimp completely with a paper towel.
- salt and pepper - Essential seasoning for the shrimp.
- butter - Adds richness to the sauce. You can use salted or unsalted.
- garlic - Fresh garlic is best for a bold flavor, but garlic paste works in a pinch.
- white wine - Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio adds depth and a hint of acidity. Substitute chicken stock if you prefer alcohol-free.
- heavy cream - The base of the sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Italian seasoning - A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You can swap in dried parsley or your favorite herb mix.
- white cheddar cheese - Gives the sauce a creamy, slightly tangy finish. Parmesan cheese is a great alternative.
- fresh parsley - For garnish. Basil or chives also work well.
Equipment
You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, a large skillet (I used a cast-iron skillet), a mixing spoon or spatula, a sharp knife, and a cutting board.
Instructions
Sear the shrimp
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat for 2 minutes until the hot oil is sizzling hot. Add shrimp and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside on a plate.
Make the sauce base
Add butter and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
Add liquids and cheese
Add wine and stir well to combine, about one minute. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and white cheddar. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and keep stirring until thickened to a desired consistency.
Return the shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well to coat.
Garnish
Garnish with parsley.
Serve
Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Recipe Video
Expert Tip: Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp turn rubbery quickly if cooked too long. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the pan (about 2-3 minutes per side). They’ll finish gently cooking later in the sauce.
More Tips and Tricks
- Pat shrimp dry. Always pat shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This helps them sear properly and develop that golden, flavorful crust instead of steaming in the pan.
- Deglaze with wine. Scraping the browned bits off the pan with white wine (or stock) adds tons of flavor.
- Use fresh garlic. While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic adds a much deeper, more robust flavor to the sauce. It’s worth it here since garlic is the star.
- Simmer the sauce gently. Once you add cream and cheese, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause it to separate or turn grainy. Stir often for a silky texture.
- Add the cheese slowly. Stir in shredded cheese a little at a time until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This ensures a velvety finish without clumps.
- Taste and adjust. Always taste before serving — sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon makes all the difference.
Recipe Variations
- Add veggies. Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini during the simmer step for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Swap the cheese. Use Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile. Parmesan makes it taste extra Italian-inspired.
- Make it spicy. Add extra chili flakes (red pepper flakes), cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to give your shrimp a fiery kick.
- Lighten it up. Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce (though it won’t be as rich and thick). You can also use less cheese or swap in a lower-fat variety.
- Citrusy twist. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Serve it Cajun-style. Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice for a smoky, Southern spin.
- Swap the protein. Love the creamy garlic sauce but not in the mood for shrimp? Try it with seared chicken breast, salmon fillets, or even scallops. The sauce pairs beautifully with almost any protein!
- Pasta night. Turn this into creamy garlic shrimp pasta by tossing the sauce with fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine. The sauce clings beautifully to noodles.
Storage
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
How to Reheat
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until shrimp is warmed through, or in the microwave. The sauce may have thickened up in the refrigerator, so add a little water to thin out the sauce a bit until you achieve a desired consistency.
How to Freeze
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well — it may separate. If freezing, cook the shrimp separately and freeze them, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.
How to Serve
This creamy garlic shrimp is versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides.
- Try it over pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a rich and comforting meal.
- Spoon it over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta for something hearty.
- Keep things lighter by serving with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh garden salad.
- And don’t forget a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that sauce!
These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with this creamy shrimp:
Side Dishes for Shrimp
Looking for the perfect sides to serve with shrimp? Our collection of shrimp side dishes has you covered, featuring everything from fresh, crisp salads and roasted vegetables to hearty grains, zesty slaws, and flavorful dips.
FAQ
The secret to juicy shrimp is cooking them quickly over medium-high heat and not overcooking them. Shrimp only take a few minutes per side, and once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery and tough, so keep a close eye on them. Marinating shrimp beforehand with olive oil, garlic, or lemon also helps keep them tender and flavorful. Finally, patting them dry before seasoning ensures they sear nicely in the pan, locking in juices and creating that irresistible, juicy bite every time.
To keep shrimp moist, avoid long cooking times and start with dry, well-prepped shrimp. Patting them dry before cooking prevents steaming and helps them caramelize quickly, sealing in natural juices. Cooking in butter or oil also helps retain moisture and adds flavor. Another tip is to cook shrimp in a flavorful sauce, like a creamy garlic sauce, which keeps them tender and coated in richness. If you’re boiling or poaching, make sure the water is well-seasoned and don’t let the shrimp linger in the heat too long.
Creamy garlic sauce usually starts with butter or oil, fresh garlic, and a splash of white wine or broth for depth. Heavy cream is then added to give the sauce its velvety texture, along with seasonings like Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. A handful of cheese — Parmesan, white cheddar, or even cream cheese — can be stirred in to make the sauce extra thick and rich. The result is a luxurious, garlicky sauce that’s perfect for coating shrimp, pasta, or even chicken.
Making creamy garlic sauce for shrimp is quick and simple. Start by sautéing minced garlic in butter or olive oil until fragrant. Add a splash of white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan and bring depth of flavor. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then finish with shredded Parmesan or white cheddar for richness. Toss in cooked shrimp, coat them generously, and you’ve got the ultimate creamy garlic sauce.
Shrimp pairs well with so many vegetables because of its naturally sweet, delicate flavor. Classic pairings include zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, and bell peppers, which balance shrimp’s richness with freshness and color. Mushrooms and cherry tomatoes also work beautifully, adding depth and a burst of juiciness. For heartier meals, toss shrimp with roasted potatoes, green beans, or corn. In creamy garlic shrimp recipes, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes are especially popular because they blend seamlessly into the sauce while adding vibrant flavor and extra nutrition.
To make creamy garlic shrimp pasta, simply cook pasta of your choice (like fettuccine or linguine) until al dente, then toss it directly into the pan with your creamy garlic shrimp. The starchy pasta water can be added to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. This turns the shrimp dish into a complete meal with a silky, flavorful sauce coating every strand of pasta. Finish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and maybe a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
More Shrimp Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below to share your feedback. Your reviews help others discover this recipe and help me keep creating more free recipes for you. Snap a photo and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme too.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a delicious, quick and easy 15-minute meal (yes, including prep!) that absolutely deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Juicy jumbo shrimp are seared to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. The result? A comforting seafood dinner that’s luxurious yet simple enough to whip up anytime. Serve it over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes, or keep things cozy with some crusty bread for dunking. This dish is pure comfort food goals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (or grated Parmesan cheese)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat for 2 minutes until the hot oil is sizzling hot. Add shrimp and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside on a plate.
- Add butter and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Add wine and stir well to combine, about one minute.
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning and white cheddar. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and keep stirring until thickened to a desired consistency.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
How to store: Store creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
How to reheat: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until shrimp is warmed through, or in the microwave. The sauce may have thickened up in the refrigerator, so add a little water to thin out the sauce a bit until you achieve a desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
This recipe was originally posted in 2021 and was updated with new content.
Marida says
Legit amazing...and easy...such a good option for this 4 boy crew! Crusty bread for the win!