The BEST Creamy Garlic Shrimp You’ll Ever Make (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

If you need a fast, rich, and delicious dinner that isn’t chicken and isn’t pasta, this creamy garlic shrimp is the perfect match. This recipe is ideal for beginners, great for weeknights, and works beautifully with creamy shrimp over rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even crusty bread.

Whether you’re searching for shrimp dishes for dinner, smooth and silky medium shrimp recipes, or simple easy shrimp dishes dinners, this 15-minute creamy shrimp delivers huge flavor with minimal effort. It also fits perfectly into shrimp and rice dinner recipes, dinner ideas without chicken, and even dinner recipes shrimp pasta if you want to switch it up!

It’s buttery, garlicky, and restaurant-level delicious all made in one pan.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

Shrimp

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt & pepper

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Serving Options

  • Cooked white rice
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed veggies
  • Fresh parsley

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just simple basics:

  • Large skillet
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Stirring spoon
  • Serving bowls or plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp
    Pat shrimp dry → season with salt & pepper.
  2. Cook shrimp
    Heat oil & butter → cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
    Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic base
    Add garlic → cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the sauce
    Pour in broth, heavy cream, parmesan, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
    Simmer 3–4 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.
  5. Add shrimp back in
    Stir shrimp into the sauce and cook 1 more minute to warm through.
  6. Finish
    Add lemon juice and fresh parsley.
  7. Serve
    Pour creamy garlic shrimp over rice, potatoes, or veggies. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook shrimp they toughen quickly.
  • Use large or medium shrimp for best texture.
  • Add extra garlic if you love bold flavor.
  • Make it a shrimp pasta dinner by mixing with fettuccine.
  • For a lighter version: use half-and-half + extra broth.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 serving33025g7g23g1g2g

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by ingredient brand.

The BEST Creamy Garlic Shrimp You’ll Ever Make (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

This creamy garlic shrimp is rich, buttery, and incredibly fast — ready in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly recipe for a flavorful seafood dinner served over rice, potatoes, or veggies.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup chicken or seafood broth
  • 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for serving rice, potatoes, or vegetables (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • spatula or tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in broth and heavy cream, stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan and lemon juice.
  3. Return shrimp to skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 27gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 260mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer an extra 2–3 minutes before adding shrimp. Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Swap parmesan for pecorino or omit cheese for a lighter version. Use raw shrimp for best flavor and texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

This creamy garlic shrimp is fast, rich, beginner-friendly, and incredibly satisfying perfect for nights when you want a comforting meal without using chicken or pasta. From shrimp over rice to mashed potatoes or veggies, it pairs beautifully with everything. A simple recipe that becomes an instant favorite!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Not recommended sauce won’t thicken properly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes mild, creamy, and delicious.