Amazing 10-Min Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Okay, so if you’re anything like me, weeknights can be a total whirlwind. You want something delicious, something that feels a little fancy, but you *definitely* don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp comes in. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! I stumbled upon this recipe when I was desperate for a quick but satisfying meal, and wow, did it deliver. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did, and the aroma alone is pure comfort. It’s become my absolute favorite for those nights when I need a win.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Trust me, you are going to adore this recipe! It’s the perfect answer to that “what’s for dinner?” panic. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

• It’s lightning fast – ready in less time than it takes to decide on takeout!
• The flavor is absolutely incredible – rich, garlicky, buttery goodness.
• It feels so special, but it’s ridiculously easy.

Quick Preparation for Busy Evenings

Seriously, this is a lifesaver for busy nights. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a fantastic, delicious meal on the table. It’s the perfect solution for a quick dinner for the family when everyone’s rushing around. For more quick meal ideas, check out our easy sheet pan meals.

Unbeatable Flavor Combination

You just can’t go wrong with buttery, garlicky shrimp. It’s simple perfection that always hits the spot!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make something truly magical. You probably have most of this already in your pantry or fridge! It’s all about good quality basics.

Shrimp Selection and Prep

You’ll need about a pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Honestly, I find the pre-peeled and deveined ones are a lifesaver for weeknights! Just make sure you give them a good pat-down with paper towels. This helps them sear up nicely instead of steaming in the pan.

Aromatics and Sauce Base

Get ready for that amazing smell! We’re using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 cloves of garlic, minced really fine. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s key! For that luscious, creamy texture, we’re adding in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure your Parmesan is the good stuff, not the pre-shredded kind in a can if you can help it!

Seasoning and Finishing Touches

A little salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential to bring out all those flavors. And for a burst of freshness right at the end, we’ve got 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. If you like a little heat, this is where you’d toss in some red pepper flakes with the garlic!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so straightforward you’ll be whipping this up on repeat. We’re going to build this dish layer by layer, and the whole thing comes together super fast.

Preparing the Shrimp

First things first, grab those shrimp you prepped. Give them one last little pat with a paper towel to make sure they’re nice and dry. Then, season them generously all over with salt and pepper. This is your first layer of flavor, so don’t be shy!

Searing the Shrimp to Perfection

Now, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Once the butter’s melted and sizzling a bit, carefully lay the shrimp in the pan. You want them in a single layer so they sear instead of steam. Cook them for just about 1 to 2 minutes per side. They’ll turn pink and opaque really quickly. The moment they’re done, scoop them out and set them aside. We don’t want to overcook these little guys!

Crafting the Rich Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat a little to medium and toss the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into the same skillet. Let it melt, then add your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Sauté it for just about a minute until it’s super fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts to thicken up just a touch. Stir in that grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all smooth and gooey.

Bringing It All Together

Time for the grand finale! Gently return those perfectly cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the glorious garlic butter sauce. Give everything a good toss to make sure every single shrimp is coated in that creamy goodness. Finally, stir in your fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. That’s it! Serve it up right away while it’s hot and bubbly.

Expert Tips for Your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making it *extra* amazing. A few little tricks up my sleeve can really elevate this dish, making it restaurant-worthy every single time. It’s all about paying attention to a couple of key details.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

When you’re simmering that heavy cream, keep the heat on medium and just let it gently bubble. You want it to thicken just *slightly*, not turn into a thick paste. It should be rich and coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, a tiny splash of water or even some of the shrimp cooking liquid can loosen it right up!

Don’t Overcook Your Shrimp

This is probably the MOST important tip! Shrimp cook super fast. Like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery and sad. So, watch them like a hawk, pull them out of the pan right when they’re ready, and they’ll be perfectly tender in the sauce.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish is best served hot, right out of the pan, when that sauce is perfectly luscious! It’s a real crowd-pleaser and feels like such a comforting seafood treat.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Honestly, the best way to enjoy this is with something to soak up all that amazing garlic butter sauce. Crusty bread is a MUST in my house – don’t skip it! It’s also fantastic served over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles if you’re going lighter. It truly makes for a complete comfort food seafood meal. You can find more one pot meal prep ideas here.

Storing Leftovers Properly

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2 days. Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Got questions about this amazing shrimp skillet recipe? I’ve got you covered! This easy shrimp dinner is so versatile, and I get asked about it a lot.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Give them a good rinse and then pat them really dry with paper towels before cooking.

How can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What can I serve with this dish?

Oh, the possibilities! Crusty bread is my absolute favorite for soaking up that divine sauce. It’s also wonderful over pasta, fluffy rice, or even some spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter meal. It really makes for a complete and satisfying dinner!

Nutritional Estimates for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Now, I’m no registered dietitian, but based on the ingredients, a serving of this delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is roughly around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, with a good chunk of that being from the butter and cream, around 25g of protein from the shrimp, and just about 5g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these are just estimates and can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use!

Share Your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Experience

I just love hearing from you all! If you give this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp a try, please let me know what you think. Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or even share a picture of your delicious creation. Your feedback means the world to me and helps other cooks decide to give it a go! You can also find more inspiration on our Pinterest page.

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