Creamy Garlic Shrimp

ByUsman

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the perfect mix of tender shrimp and a rich garlic cream sauce. With Parmesan cheese, a little lemon, and fresh herbs, it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal that you can make in just 20 minutes.

It’s fancy enough for dinner parties but simple enough for busy weeknights. You can serve it with pasta, rice, bread, or even enjoy it on its own. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, so it works for many diets.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Lower the heat, add the cream, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let it thicken slightly.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan and coat with the sauce.
  7. Add lemon juice and parsley.
  8. Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~420 per serving

A Little Background

Shrimp in creamy garlic sauces is popular in many cuisines like Italian, French, and Mediterranean cooking. This dish is inspired by those classic sauces but kept simple for home cooking. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting without being heavy.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Easy and Quick: Ready in 20 minutes with one pan.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics like garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
  • Elegant Taste: Garlic, cream, cheese, and lemon give a rich yet balanced flavor.
  • Versatile: Goes well with pasta, rice, bread, or veggies.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally low-carb and keto-approved.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp isn’t just tasty—it’s also healthy:

  • High in protein, low in fat.
  • Rich in vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium.
  • Contains omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
  • Full of antioxidants that fight inflammation.

Garlic adds even more benefits, such as boosting the immune system and supporting heart health.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp

  • Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked, for the best texture.
  • Cook shrimp only until pink—overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Keep the cream sauce at a low simmer (not boiling) so it stays smooth.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:

  • Add spinach or kale for extra color and nutrition.
  • Make it spicy with more chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • Swap pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
  • Try scallops, salmon, or chicken instead of shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

This dish goes well with many sides, such as:

  • Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
  • Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • Rice or cauliflower rice
  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
  • Roasted potatoes

Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the kind of recipe that looks impressive but is easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor.

It’s quick, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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