If you are craving a dish that is both luxurious and incredibly simple to make, this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture plump, tender shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with just the right zing of Cajun spices and a hint of lemon, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors. It feels fancy enough for guests but comes together in less time than you’d expect, making it a winner for weeknight dinners or any time you want something special without fuss.

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are straightforward and familiar but each adds something vital to build the delicious taste and texture of this dish. From the richness of butter and cream to the fresh punch of garlic and lemon, every element plays its part beautifully.

Shrimp (500 g/1 lb), shelled and deveined: The star of the show, offering tender, juicy seafood goodness that cooks quickly.

Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances the creamy sauce.
Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor without overpowering.

Butter (2 tbsp): Provides a silky richness and helps caramelize the shrimp beautifully.
Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp): Brings a smoky, spicy kick that gives the recipe an exciting personality.

Garlic cloves (4, crushed): Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
Cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, velvety base that coats each shrimp deliciously.
Lemon juice (1–2 tsp): Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream.

Parsley (for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbaceous finish and splash of color.

How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels; this step is crucial because it helps the shrimp sear properly rather than steam. Then place them in a bowl and generously season with salt and pepper to amplify their natural flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large pan on high and melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it’s bubbling hot. Add the shrimp and cook them undisturbed until they turn opaque and develop a beautiful golden brown sear on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them and cook for another minute if needed, then remove from the pan to rest—this keeps them from overcooking while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, soften an additional teaspoon of butter and toss in the crushed garlic along with the Cajun seasoning. Let these aromatics cook for about a minute until fragrant—it’s the moment everything starts to come alive. Then pour in the cream and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them gently in the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that flavorful goodness. Allow it to heat through for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to marry all those incredible flavors together before plating.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brings a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor but also a lovely pop of green that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. You can also add a tiny drizzle of extra lemon juice if you want a sharper finish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up that garlic cream sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp mixed greens salad to add freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress friends or family, serve your Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe over a bed of linguine or fettuccine, transforming it into an irresistible pasta dinner. Alternatively, spoon the shrimp and sauce over toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to enjoy the freshness and creamy texture at its peak.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate when thawed, so it’s not ideal for freezing. If you do freeze leftovers, use them within a month and consider reheating gently, then stirring vigorously to bring back some creaminess.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk while reheating can help restore its silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat which can make shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe very spicy due to the Cajun seasoning?

The Cajun seasoning gives it a nice hint of warmth and smoky flavor, but it’s generally mild. You can always adjust the amount or choose a milder seasoning to suit your taste.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but keep in mind the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great alternative with a slight twist in flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and sauce separately and store them in the fridge, but it’s best to combine and heat just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, unoaked white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic sauce and shrimp beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about an Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe that can be whipped up quickly yet delivers on luxury and flavor every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it over and over whenever you want to treat yourself or impress without breaking a sweat. It’s seafood done right, with cream, garlic, and a little spice making magic happen in your kitchen.

Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 22 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce enhanced by Cajun seasoning and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish is simple to prepare yet delivers deliciously creamy and zesty flavors that pair well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

500 g (1 lb) shrimp/prawns, shelled and deveined
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Sauce

2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 cup heavy cream
1–2 tsp lemon juice

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them sear properly. Place the shrimp in a bowl and season evenly with salt and pepper.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large pan over high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they become opaque and start to brown on one side. Flip and cook briefly on the other side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add an additional teaspoon of butter. Add the crushed garlic cloves and Cajun seasoning, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the heavy cream along with the lemon juice, stirring to combine all ingredients.

Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, intensifying the flavors.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Let everything heat through together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness and color, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp or high-quality frozen shrimp for best flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread for dipping.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Make sure not to overcook shrimp as they become rubbery quickly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 125g)

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g

Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 215 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, Cajun shrimp recipe, easy shrimp dinner, quick shrimp recipe, garlic cream sauce shrimp