Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp and a creamy sauce. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests. It brings together fresh ingredients and quick cooking methods to create a meal that feels fancy but is easy enough for any home cook.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Lemon juice to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can serve it over a bed of pasta or rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light salad makes a nice complement to this rich dish. Don’t forget to squeeze some extra lemon juice on top for added freshness!

How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s consistency.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of jarred garlic.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long in the skillet.
  • Adjust the amounts of garlic and lemon according to your taste preferences.

Variation

You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Some people also enjoy adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh for the best texture and flavor. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook it right before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Plate of creamy garlic butter shrimp garnished with parsley and lemon wedges

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A delightful dish combining rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp in a creamy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced For best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of jarred garlic.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Chopped parsley
  • to taste Lemon juice

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served over pasta or rice, or alongside crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if necessary. Adjust garlic and lemon according to taste preferences. You can add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition, or a splash of white wine for depth of flavor.

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