What is the secret to making juicy shrimp?

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.

How do you keep shrimp moist when cooking?

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.

What's in a creamy garlic sauce?

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.

How to make creamy garlic sauce for shrimp?

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.

What vegetables are good for shrimp?

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.

How to make creamy garlic shrimp pasta?

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.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons white wine; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (or grated Parmesan cheese); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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

Scale

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons white wine
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (or grated Parmesan cheese)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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