Thereβs something magical about creamy garlic shrimp that transcends the ordinary. The moment you toss those plump, juicy shrimp into a sizzling pan, the air fills with a tantalizing aroma that promises deliciousness. As the garlic mingles with butter and cream, it envelops each shrimp in a luscious blanket of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Itβs not just food; itβs an experience.
I remember the first time I made creamy garlic shrimp for friends; they were practically licking their plates clean! It was one of those perfect evenings where laughter filled the air, and we all agreed this dish was a keeper. Whether youβre hosting a fancy dinner party or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, creamy garlic shrimp is sure to impress and delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy garlic shrimp dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor
- Itβs visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests
- The versatility allows pairing with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
- Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Friends raved about how rich and flavorful it was, and even asked for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Shrimp: Opt for raw, peeled shrimp for better texture; fresh or frozen both work well.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control; it adds richness to the sauce.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic is key here for that aromatic kick.
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Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and dreamy; donβt skimp on quality.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor; freshly grated yields the best results.
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Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up the rich flavors beautifully.
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Black Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all other ingredients; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cool water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful sear later on.
SautΓ© Garlic and Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© until fragrantβabout 1 minuteβdonβt let it burn!
Add the Shrimp: Toss your shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smoothβyour kitchen will smell divine!
Combine Everything Together: Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet along with chopped parsley. Gently stir everything for 1-2 minutes until heated through; season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate your creamy garlic shrimp over pasta or rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional parsley if you want to impress even more!
Now youβre ready to savor every bite of this mouthwatering dish! Bon appΓ©tit!
You Must Know
- Creamy garlic shrimp is a delightful dish thatβs quick to prepare, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself
- Its rich flavors and creamy texture create a comforting meal that pairs well with pasta or crusty bread
- Each bite is a flavorful embrace!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing the shrimp in butter until they turn pink, then add garlic and cream. This ensures even cooking and full flavor development.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs, like parsley or thyme, or add a splash of white wine for extra depth. Personalize it to suit your palate!
Storing & Reheating
Store creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain its creamy consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen can work but may lack sweetness
- Garlic enhances the creaminess, so donβt skimp on it!
- A touch of lemon zest brightens the dish beautifully
Memories of last summerβs dinner party always make me smile when I think of this creamy garlic shrimp recipe. Everyone raved about it and asked for secondsβit was a hit!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp?
Yes, but fresh shrimp offers better flavor and texture overall.
What sides go well with creamy garlic shrimp?
Pasta, risotto, or crusty bread are excellent choices to complement this dish.
How can I make creamy garlic shrimp healthier?
Consider using low-fat cream or substituting with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy garlic shrimp, a dish that brings together succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a luxurious cream sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe is both quick and simple, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With just 30 minutes to prepare, youβll be savoring every mouthful in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw and peeled
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Pour in heavy cream while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with chopped parsley. Gently stir for another 1-2 minutes until heated through; season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve over pasta or rice, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: SautΓ©ing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or a splash of white wine into the sauce. To lighten up the dish, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream.