Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a rich, luxurious seafood dish that brings together tender, perfectly sautéed shrimp with a smooth, garlic-infused cream sauce. Ideal for elegant dinners or quick weeknight meals, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes with gourmet results.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Rich and creamy: A velvety sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- Seafood delight: Brings out the natural sweetness of shrimp.
- Crowd-pleaser: Impress guests or family with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic.
- Add shrimp and sauté until pink and slightly golden (2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan and optional paprika; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 to 3
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Include spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy twist: Use cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Lemon garlic version: Add lemon zest and juice for a brighter flavor.
- Pasta pairing: Serve over fettuccine or linguine for a complete dish.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What cream is best for the sauce?
Heavy cream gives the richest texture.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine can enhance flavor—add before the cream.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if served without pasta or with gluten-free pasta.
Can I substitute the cream?
Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option.
What herbs go well with this?
Parsley, thyme, or chives are excellent.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and coconut milk, though flavor will differ.
How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?
Cook only until pink and opaque; remove promptly from heat.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if paprika or chili flakes are added.
What can I serve with this?
Rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a luscious, satisfying seafood entrée that delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. With minimal prep and a flavor-packed sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Shrimp in Creamy Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a quick and indulgent seafood dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a versatile and flavorful meal option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and paprika (if using). Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available—just pat dry thoroughly.
- Add a splash of white wine before the cream for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though flavor will vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
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