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Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp features tender shrimp simmered in a garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan for a silky, lightly thickened finish. Cook it in about 15 minutes and serve over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for serving
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Cook the shrimp
  1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil looks glossy.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until just pink, then remove and set aside.
Build the garlic cream sauce
  1. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring in the Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish and serve
  1. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for 1–2 more minutes.
  2. Stir in the lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, cook the shrimp just until pink and remove promptly; they should finish only briefly when returned to the sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to avoid thinning or overcooking. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce can break and the shrimp may become rubbery. If you want a lighter option, swap in half-and-half for part of the cream for a slightly thinner but still creamy sauce.