![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Cooked pasta or rice, for serving To make creamy garlic butter shrimp, gather these fresh ingredients. The shrimp is the star here, so choose large, high-quality ones. Minced garlic adds a strong flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Unsalted butter gives a rich base, while heavy cream adds depth and smoothness. The smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky note. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness. Red pepper flakes can add heat if you like some spice. You can serve this dish over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal. For the full recipe, follow along with the instructions provided in the article. 1. Initial preparation steps Start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. This saves time later. 2. Sautéing garlic and shrimp In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. 3. Setting shrimp aside Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet. Place them on a plate and set aside. This keeps them warm while you prepare the sauce. 1. Combining butter and cream In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer. 2. Adding flavor enhancers Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and, if you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. 1. Mixing shrimp back into the sauce Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let them heat through for about 1 minute. 2. Adjusting seasoning Taste your sauce and shrimp. Add more salt or pepper if needed. This is key to ensuring the right flavor. 3. Presentation tips Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. Drizzle some extra sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra touch. This is how you create a flavorful dinner option with creamy garlic butter shrimp. For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp perfectly, use high heat. This method helps shrimp cook fast and stay tender. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt, but don’t let it brown. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. Then add the shrimp and season them well. To avoid overcooking, watch the color closely. Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. If you leave them too long, they can become rubbery. Remember to set the shrimp aside once cooked. This keeps them tender while you make the sauce. Spices can change the whole dish. I love smoked paprika for its warmth. If you want more kick, add red pepper flakes. A touch of heat balances the creaminess well. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. If you don't have parsley, try basil or cilantro. Both add a nice touch. Just chop them finely and stir them in at the end for the best taste. For sides, I recommend cooked pasta or rice. They soak up the creamy sauce nicely. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This is perfect for dipping into that rich sauce. Garnishing is key for presentation. Sprinkle more chopped parsley on top. A few lemon wedges on the side add color and freshness. It’s all about making the dish look as good as it tastes. Enjoy your creamy garlic butter shrimp with these tips. Check the Full Recipe for more guidance on how to create this delightful dish! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Great choices include: - Broccoli - Spinach - Bell peppers - Zucchini To cook the vegetables, add them to the skillet before the shrimp. Sauté them for a few minutes until tender. This way, they soak up the buttery garlic flavor. If you want a low-carb meal, skip the pasta or rice. Instead, try using: - Zoodles (zucchini noodles) - Cauliflower rice - Shirataki noodles These options keep the meal light. You can cook them quickly in a pan before adding the shrimp. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal without the carbs. For those who love heat, spice things up! You can add: - Extra red pepper flakes - Sliced jalapeños - A splash of hot sauce Add these spicy ingredients while cooking the garlic. This helps the heat blend into the dish. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a kick that excites your palate. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your creamy garlic butter shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. This helps avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Properly stored, this dish lasts about 3 days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you want to store creamy garlic butter shrimp for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to expel as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best quality, reheat it slowly on low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. This way, your shrimp stays tender and the sauce remains creamy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. So, you can make this dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This makes them easy to cook and keeps them tender. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some popular choices: - Cooked pasta - Steamed rice - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad Yes, you can! Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. For butter, try using olive oil or a dairy-free spread. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious. This blog post covered how to make creamy garlic butter shrimp. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can enhance flavors with spices and herbs. Serving suggestions included great side dishes to pair. Variations like adding vegetables or making it low-carb are also options. In summary, you can easily create a delicious meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/8eae7a93-61fd-413e-a4f1-768ced8b0149-250x250.webp)
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Make dinner exciting with this easy and flavorful Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that impresses with its rich flavors, using simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and cream. This satisfying meal pairs perfectly with pasta or rice and can be easily customized with veggies or spices. Ready to elevate your dinner routine? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking!