If you’re craving a dish that combines speed, flavor, and a touch of indulgence, look no further. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe is the perfect go-to meal that brings tender, juicy shrimp enveloped in a silky, garlicky cream sauce right to your plate in no time. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself after a hectic day, this recipe proves that cooking at home can be both effortless and seriously delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unbelievably tasty shrimp dish, you only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the plump shrimp that bring sweetness and bite, to the garlic and Parmesan that add layers of flavor and richness. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this quick seafood masterpiece.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing the shrimp and creating a flavorful crust.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle heat enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed: The garlicky heart that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): For that luscious, silky texture that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine): Adds depth and helps bring the sauce to life.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy tang and thickens the sauce deliciously.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs that complement the shrimp.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: The bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by tossing the shrimp in a bowl with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Making sure every shrimp is evenly coated is key to building a flavorful base that will really shine once cooked. Don’t skip this simple but crucial step to lock in bold flavor from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping each side once they turn pink and firm. This quick sear caramelizes the surface, adding a wonderful texture and depth. Remove the shrimp once cooked and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and inviting. Then stir in chicken broth or white wine, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes to reduce slightly. The kitchen will start to smell incredible already.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, letting the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened. This rich, velvety sauce is what sets this Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe apart from the rest, enveloping every shrimp with pure indulgence.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat with the luscious sauce. Let everything heat through for 2 more minutes on low heat, ensuring every bite bursts with creamy garlicky goodness before plating.
Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread—you really can’t go wrong. This quick and luxurious seafood recipe will have you wondering why every dinner can’t be this effortless and satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for adding color and a slight herbal brightness that balances the rich sauce. If you want to mix it up, a zest of lemon or a few red pepper flakes on top also work beautifully to elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up that creamy garlic sauce. Think fluffy white or brown rice, al dente fettuccine, or even crusty baguette slices. For a vegetable boost, lightly sautéed greens or roasted asparagus add a nice contrast without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe over a bed of buttery garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a rich, comforting twist. Alternatively, spoon the shrimp and sauce over freshly toasted ciabatta for an elegant open-faced sandwich that’s pure decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), transfer your shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors gently intensify but the shrimp texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you want to freeze, consider freezing the shrimp and sauce separately and recombining them after gently reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking and keep the shrimp tender. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help revive the sauce’s smooth consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Is heavy cream necessary, or can I use a lighter alternative?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, but keep in mind the texture and richness might be slightly less creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Just sauté them briefly before starting your shrimp to keep everything evenly cooked.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but they are optional. You can easily adjust or omit them based on your heat preference.
What can I serve this with besides rice or pasta?
This dish pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even as a protein-packed topping on toasted bread for a lighter meal. The versatility is one of its best features!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe, it will become an instant favorite that you reach for again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and downright comforting—a perfect way to turn a busy evening into a special experience without stress. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp in 15 Minutes – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers a rich, garlicky cream sauce enveloping tender, quickly seared shrimp. Ready in just 15 minutes using just one pan, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a gourmet-feeling meal with minimal effort. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for an indulgent and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping to cook both sides until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Reduce: Stir in chicken broth or white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine & Heat Through: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce. Simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, white wine or even vegetable broth works well as a substitute.
- This recipe is perfect for weeknights as it cooks in one pan and only takes about 15 minutes total.

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