Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Looking for an easy and flavorful shrimp recipe? This creamy garlic shrimp dish is a must-try! Featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with white wine and parmesan, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just craving a creamy, garlicky dish, this creamy garlic shrimp recipe will become a favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound medium raw shrimp (deveined, peeled, with or without tails)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado oil, olive oil, or refined coconut oil)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (see Notes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup grated fresh parmesan (at room temperature)
• Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Serving Suggestions (Optional):

• Mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower or mashed palmini)
• Prepared pasta (or prepared palmini)
• Rice (or cauliflower rice)

Instructions:

1. Place the raw shrimp on a cutting board in a single layer. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure the oil evenly coats the surface.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook for another 1 minute or until the shrimp are opaque, pink, and slightly curled into a “J” shape.
4. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a medium bowl and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the pan to cool slightly. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
6. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring well to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid reduce by half.
8. Lower the heat to medium-low, remove the skillet from the heat briefly, and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
9. Once simmering, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
10. Add ¾ cup of grated parmesan and gently stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce and it has thickened slightly (about 1 minute).
11. Sprinkle the sauce with finely chopped parsley and return the shrimp to the skillet. Gently spoon the sauce over the shrimp to coat.
12. Serve the shrimp immediately, over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, with plenty of creamy garlic sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic shrimp is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. It’s quick and easy to make yet incredibly satisfying. The blend of garlic, butter, white wine, and parmesan creates a sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp, making it a decadent meal that feels indulgent without being difficult to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Tips

• Searing shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They only need 1-2 minutes on each side to cook through. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
• Creamy texture: Use room-temperature cream and cheese to ensure the sauce emulsifies smoothly without curdling.
• Deglaze properly: Be sure to scrape up all the brown bits after adding the wine. These bits are full of flavor and will enhance the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with another protein like scallops, chicken breast, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• White Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp?: Yes, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• What if I don’t have dry white wine?: You can substitute with a splash of chicken broth or skip it entirely, though wine adds a depth of flavor.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time?: It’s best to make the sauce fresh to keep the creamy texture. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving

Serve this creamy garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes for a rich and hearty meal. You can also pair it with pasta or rice for a lighter option. The sauce is the star, so don’t forget to drizzle plenty of it over the shrimp and the side dish.

Suggestions

Add a side of sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or asparagus to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will also complement the creamy shrimp nicely. For extra indulgence, top with a few extra parmesan shavings.