If there’s one dish that feels like an indulgent night at a coastal restaurant, it’s none other than the *Creamy Garlic Shrimp*. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky, creamy sauce with hints of Parmesan – it’s a flavor paradise that you can whip up in your own kitchen in just about 20 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish promises to impress with its irresistible creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick yet Elegant: In just 20 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even a bed of steamed veggies to suit your mood.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and shrimp creates a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of *Creamy Garlic Shrimp* lies in using just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to make something incredible. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: Helps in sautéing the shrimp to golden perfection.
- Shrimp: Choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor; tails on or off, depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Six cloves lend a deep, aromatic flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory layer that thickens the sauce and enhances the dish.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor and adds a lovely pop of color.
Variations
One of the joys of *Creamy Garlic Shrimp* is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to switch up ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or to cater to dietary preferences, this recipe makes it easy.
- Lemon Zest Touch: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest at the end for a citrusy brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat with their shrimp.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Fry them for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they’re cooked through and turn a delightful pink. Scoop them out and set aside; they’re the stars waiting for their creamy co-star.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant – about 30 seconds. Pour in the wine or broth and let it reduce by half. This step is key as it intensifies the flavors, collecting all those delicious bits stuck to the skillet.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Reduce the heat to low-medium and add in the cream, letting it gently simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until it melts and the sauce thickens. Finally, welcome the shrimp back into the pan, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and taste test to perfection.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Perfect Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be pink and firm to the touch.
- Deglaze Delight: Scrape all the flavorful bits from the skillet when adding wine or broth for an enhanced sauce.
- Cheese First: Always add Parmesan before returning the shrimp to ensure a smooth sauce texture.
- Herb Freshness: Add parsley at the end to keep its flavor fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the taste with its earthy freshness. A squeeze of lemon can also elevate the dish, lending a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve this *Creamy Garlic Shrimp* with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can present the shrimp in individual ramekins topped with a cheese crust for a cozy, sophisticated touch. Alternatively, place them on skewers for an appetizer fit for any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s the perfect lunch option, gaining more flavor as it sits.
Freezing
If freezing, do so before adding the cream. Once prepared, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream to return its luscious texture.
FAQs
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Can I substitute a different protein for shrimp?
Absolutely! Chicken breast slices work wonderfully, just ensure they’re cooked through before adding to the sauce.
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Which wine pairs best with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and cream beautifully, enhancing the dish’s flavors without overpowering them.
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but it’s best to cook them just until heated to avoid rubbery shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp can alter the cooking time of the recipe slightly.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if needed?
If you find your sauce too thin, simmer it a bit longer until it reduces and thickens to your liking, or add more Parmesan to assist with thickening and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and elevate your next meal by making this *Creamy Garlic Shrimp*. It’s easy, quick, and packed with flavor that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. Enjoy every forkful!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Seafood
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a rich and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic and white wine sauce, finished with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy texture and savory garlic notes that can be served over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp (tails on or off)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups reduced fat cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh and chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until just cooked through and pink. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to reduce to about half of its volume, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Parmesan and Thicken: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for another minute until it thickens slightly, and cheese melts into the sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
