Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Rich, Decadent, and Easy

Shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce is the ultimate indulgent dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes. Tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery, garlicky sauce makes this recipe irresistible for weeknight meals, date nights, or quick entertaining.

This dish balances garlic intensity, buttery richness, and a creamy texture without being heavy. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread — any vessel that can soak up the luxurious sauce.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is versatile. You can add a splash of white wine for extra depth, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives for freshness, or even kick it up with red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Its simplicity is deceptive; it tastes like a gourmet dish while remaining quick, approachable, and comforting.

---

Ingredients

Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for mild smoky flavor)

Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring to combine.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
7. Add lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to coat in sauce.
9. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with garlic bread.

---

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Do not overcook shrimp – they turn rubbery. They cook very quickly.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; avoid powdered garlic.
• Room temperature cream helps prevent curdling when added to hot pan.
• Garnish with parsley or lemon zest for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Over linguine or fettuccine for a creamy pasta dinner
• With steamed rice or cauliflower rice
• With roasted vegetables on the side
• Served with crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce

---

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• White Wine Garlic Butter Shrimp: Deglaze the skillet with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding cream.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the shrimp when cooking.

---

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Sauce can be prepared ahead; reheat gently on stovetop and add freshly cooked shrimp.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Do not freeze shrimp in the creamy sauce — shrimp becomes rubbery.