Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals. Tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky cream sauce is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- Shrimp/Prawns – 500 g (1 lb), shelled and deveined for convenience.
- Salt – 1 tsp, for seasoning.
- Pepper – 1/2 tsp, adds a mild kick.
- Butter – 2 tbsp, for cooking and richness.
- Cajun Seasoning – 1 tbsp, adds bold and zesty flavor.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, crushed, for aromatic depth.
- Cream – 1 cup, creates a rich and luscious sauce.
- Lemon Juice – 1-2 tsp, brightens the flavors.
- Parsley – For garnish, adds a fresh pop of color.
Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the shrimp and cook until opaque and slightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add another teaspoon of butter.
- Sauté the garlic and Cajun seasoning for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, or until it reduces slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Allow the shrimp to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Scatter parsley over the top for garnish and serve hot.
How to Serve
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Make Over
Make Ahead
Prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing
Freeze the sauce and cooked shrimp separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
Paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper works well as a substitute.
Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
PrintEasy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich Cajun-spiced garlic cream sauce, ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) shrimp/prawns, shelled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup cream
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a large pan over high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and start to brown, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt an additional teaspoon of butter. Add the crushed garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the cream and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Allow to heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Use heavy cream or double cream for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *