Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

This Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a delightful, rich, and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. Succulent shrimp are cooked to perfection and coated in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.

The addition of white wine and a touch of heat from red chili flakes elevates the flavor profile, making it a satisfying meal.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce because it’s a perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and indulgent creaminess.

The tender shrimp, paired with the smooth garlic butter sauce and the depth of Parmesan, create a dish that’s both comforting and luxurious.

The hint of white wine and optional chili flakes bring complexity and a subtle kick, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Key Ingredients:

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, providing a tender, succulent base.

Olive oil for sautéing the shrimp, adding richness.

Unsalted butter, the foundation of the creamy sauce.

Garlic, minced for a fragrant, savory depth.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating the velvety, rich sauce.

Italian seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile with herbs.

Fresh parsley, offering a bright, fresh finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

1 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Cook the Shrimp: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika (optional). Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to release its aroma. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift up any flavorful bits.

Make the Creamy Base: Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth. Optionally, sprinkle in red chili flakes for added heat. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow the shrimp to warm in the sauce for 1–2 minutes.

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the shrimp before serving. Serve the garlic butter shrimp with pasta, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread to enjoy the creamy sauce.

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Notes:

Shrimp Size: Adjust the cooking time if you’re using smaller or larger shrimp. Smaller shrimp may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works just as well and will still provide a deliciously rich flavor for the sauce.

Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or pasta water.

Make it Spicy: For more heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or steamed vegetables for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

You can place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

What can I use instead of white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.

This will still give you a savory base for the sauce without the alcohol.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for an additional few minutes to reduce and thicken.

Alternatively, you can add a little extra grated Parmesan or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and swap the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a cashew-based cream.

What should I serve with this garlic butter shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time.

Just store the sauce separately in the fridge and reheat it before adding the shrimp.

Cook the shrimp right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by combining dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

You can also substitute with other herbs like parsley or dill, depending on your flavor preferences.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook quickly! When they turn pink and opaque, they are done.

Overcooking can make them tough, so watch closely. It usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic?

You can use pre-minced garlic in a jar, but fresh garlic provides a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.

If you use pre-minced garlic, use about 1 teaspoon for each garlic clove in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! You can add red chili flakes to the sauce for a little heat, or even use fresh diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.

Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.