Dinner

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

ByMariem December 4, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring tender, perfectly cooked shrimp enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. It is ideal for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, butter, and cream creates a deeply satisfying sauce that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It cooks quickly, pairs with many side dishes, and transforms basic ingredients into a refined meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp
butter
garlic
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
paprika (optional)
fresh parsley

Directions

Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp and cook until pink on both sides; remove and set aside.
Add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Stir in cream and parmesan; simmer until slightly thickened.
Return shrimp to the pan, coating them with the sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add chili flakes for spice.
Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Why did my shrimp turn rubbery?

Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking causes toughness.

Can I substitute half-and-half for cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.

What size shrimp works best?

Medium or large shrimp offer the best texture.

Can I add pasta to the dish?

Yes, the sauce coats pasta very well.

Do I need to remove the tails?

It is optional based on preference.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Fresh shrimp yields better texture, but pre-cooked can work if added only at the end.

What herbs pair best?

Parsley, basil, and chives complement the dish beautifully.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add a small amount of parmesan.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, but cook shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a versatile, elegant dish that elevates everyday ingredients into something special. With its rich flavor and minimal cooking time, it is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Mariem