Crispy, garlicky shrimp swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce—that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe. It’s fast, impressive, and downright comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself without fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. The balance of garlic, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp is so satisfying, and it comes together quicker than you think—no fancy ingredients needed!
- Speedy Prep and Cook Time: You’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, great for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: Rich cream, Parmesan, lemon, and garlic create a sauce that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
- Versatility: It pairs with everything from pasta to roasted veggies, so you can make it your own every time.
- Impress Without Stress: This skillet recipe looks gourmet but is actually beginner-friendly—win-win!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a star role in building the creamy, garlicky goodness. I’ve found that fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan make a huge difference, and using dry white wine adds a nice depth you can’t quite replicate otherwise.
- Large uncooked shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time; large ones like 26/30 count cook just right without getting rubbery.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp, bringing out a subtle fruitiness and crispness.
- Dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio add a gentle acidity and aroma to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best punch and aroma.
- Chicken broth: Boosts the savory background flavor without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A quick blend of herbs that complements the shrimp fantastically.
- Mustard powder: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out the richness.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it luscious and silky.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, this gives a nutty, salty hit that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh zing at the end.
- Cold butter: Added at the end to thicken and enrich the sauce.
- Freshly chopped parsley: For that final pop of color and mild earthiness.
Make It Your Way
I love that this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe lends itself beautifully to tweaks—whether you want it lighter, zesty, or extra indulgent. Play around with it to fit your mood and pantry!
- Variation: Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version—I tried coconut milk once, and it was surprisingly delicious and creamy with a subtle coconut note.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce step for a colorful, nutritious boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic if you like a little heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Skip wine or use gluten-free broth, and serve over rice or gluten-free pasta.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Shrimp
Start by thawing your shrimp fully if frozen—this is key for even cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly; moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the shrimp. Cook 1 minute and 20 seconds per side—we’re aiming for pink and opaque but not rubbery. Use a timer for accuracy; shrimp can go from perfect to overdone fast. Once done, transfer them to a clean plate; they'll finish cooking later in the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), pour in ½ cup dry white wine and toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Keep the heat medium, letting it bubble gently and reduce by half—about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add ½ cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Simmer for 6 to 7 minutes to concentrate those flavors and thicken slightly. Lower the heat to low before adding cream; this helps avoid any sauce splitting.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese, Butter, and Lemon
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, then sprinkle in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese little by little, stirring gently until fully melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the pan and warm through about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and add 3 tablespoons cold butter, swirling the pan until melted—this enriches the sauce and gives it a silky finish. Finally, add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice off the heat to brighten everything up without curdling.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley for a fresh contrast and serve right away. This sauce loves company—consider pasta, crusty bread, or rice to soak up every bit!
Top Tip
After making this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few key tips that'll seriously help you nail it — especially if you’re new to cooking shrimp or creamy sauces.
- Dry Shrimp Before Searing: Any water on shrimp prevents browning, so pat them completely dry for that delightful crust.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery in seconds; set a timer and watch for that pink color.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Stir cheese in off low heat to avoid grainy sauce caused by overheating dairy.
- Lemon at the End: Always add lemon juice off the heat to keep your sauce smooth and creamy without curdling.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and that mild herbal freshness. Sometimes, I add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing if someone wants it. A light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurt either!
Side Dishes
My favorite way is to toss this creamy shrimp over linguine or fettuccine—pasta soaks up the sauce perfectly. But it’s also heavenly over buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for something lighter. Crusty bread on the side is a must if you want to mop up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like serving this shrimp skillet in a large cast-iron pan right at the table—super inviting and rustic. You could even spoon it over creamy risotto or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers for a fun twist. Tucking in some charred lemon halves makes the plate pop visually and adds aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cream-based sauce tastes best fresh, but gently reheated leftovers can still be satisfying.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy shrimp dish is tricky. The cream sauce can separate and turn grainy after thawing, which affects texture. If you really want to freeze, do so without adding butter or lemon, and reheat gently—though honestly, I prefer making it fresh each time.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems thick, and stir often for even warming. Microwave works too, but keep power low and check frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can prevent perfect searing.
No problem! You can substitute the dry white wine with additional chicken broth. While you’ll lose some of the wine’s subtle acidity and aroma, the sauce will still be delicious and creamy.
Make sure to add the dairy (heavy cream and cheese) over low heat or off the heat entirely. Also, add lemon juice only after removing the pan from heat. These steps help keep the sauce smooth and silky without separating.
Definitely! It pairs beautifully with linguine, fettuccine, or even buttered noodles. Try reserving some pasta water to add to the skillet sauce when tossing to help the sauce coat your noodles perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I always turn to when I want to impress without stressing. It has all the flavors you crave, cooks quickly, and feels special enough for company. I hope you give it a try—I promise it's as comforting and delicious as it sounds, and you’ll love how easy it is to make your own. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe features large shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious sauce made with garlic, dry white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Finished with cold butter and parsley, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. Ideal to serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp completely if frozen and pat them dry. Remove shells, tails, and veins if needed. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side, using a timer to avoid overcooking. Remove shrimp and set aside on a clean plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dry white wine and minced garlic over medium heat. Let it reduce for 3 to 4 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning and mustard powder. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors concentrate. Reduce heat to low.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, ensuring the sauce remains smooth.
- Combine Shrimp and Finish Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and heat through for 30 seconds. Add cold butter, tilting the pan to swirl the butter and melt it evenly throughout the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Add Lemon and Garnish: Stir in fresh lemon juice off the heat to prevent curdling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- To serve with pasta: Cook up to ½ lb. pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Use large shrimp labeled 26/30 per pound for best results; fresh or frozen shrimp both work well.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a wedge instead of packaged grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Ensure the sauce is not too hot when adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture, and add lemon juice off heat to prevent curdling.
- Use dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio. Substitute chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, linguine, crusty bread, mashed or roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, or creamy herb pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the cream-based sauce is not ideal for freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
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