Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Succulent shrimp are gently sautéed and enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce, accented with Italian herbs and finished with a hint of fresh parsley. This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is an elegant yet simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The shrimp cook quickly, making it an ideal last-minute meal, while the luscious garlic cream sauce elevates it to restaurant-quality. The combination of Parmesan, herbs, and optional red pepper flakes provides depth and a subtle kick. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, offering both versatility and indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth or dry white wine
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
2. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth or wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if desired.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
8. Simmer for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and garnish with chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 375 kcal

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to intensify the heat.
• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Wine Infusion: Use a dry white wine instead of broth for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the shrimp and alter the sauce’s texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when thawed.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and their tails curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and melting quality compared to pre-shredded or powdered versions.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well within keto dietary guidelines when served without pasta or bread.

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Yes, scallops, chicken breast strips, or even firm tofu can be used as alternatives.

What should I serve with creamy garlic butter shrimp?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely. Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally, and ensure your skillet is large enough for even cooking.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Simmer the sauce a few extra minutes, or add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the shrimp just before serving for optimal texture.

What herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

A mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and impressive dinners. Its creamy Parmesan sauce, savory garlic base, and tender shrimp offer a timeless appeal that satisfies every time. Whether paired with pasta or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

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Succulent shrimp sautéed in butter and olive oil, then simmered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce with Italian herbs. A quick and elegant seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
2. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth or wine, simmering for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
6. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
7. Return shrimp to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Use dry white wine instead of broth for a richer flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of spice.
• Pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread for dipping.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• This recipe is naturally low carb and can be made gluten free if serving without bread or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 220mg