Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 1 Easy & Delicious Meal

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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp has quickly become my go-to for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home. I remember the first time I tried making it, hoping for that rich, velvety texture and that irresistible garlicky aroma, and let me tell you, it delivered! This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is everything I dreamed of and more, especially when served over fluffy herb rice. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a little bit special. If you’re looking for an easy creamy garlic butter shrimp that tastes incredible, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love:

• Incredible flavor explosion: Rich, garlicky, buttery goodness in every bite.
• Lightning fast prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• A crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters adore this garlicky butter shrimp dish.
• Healthy-ish indulgence: Packed with protein and served over wholesome herb rice.
• Budget-friendly meal: Uses simple ingredients to create a luxurious feel.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite sides or dietary needs.
• The ultimate comfort food: This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is pure satisfaction.
• A truly impressive garlicky butter shrimp dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Gather these delicious components for a truly memorable meal. We’ll start with the herb rice, then move to the star of the show – the shrimp, and finally, the luscious sauce. For the herb rice, you’ll need 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. For the shrimp itself, grab 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. The magic happens in the sauce, where 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes come together for that signature garlic butter shrimp with cream flavor. Finish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Let’s dive into creating this amazing dish! It’s simpler than you think, and the results are totally worth it. We’ll start with the fluffy herb rice, then get to searing those succulent shrimp, and finally, whip up that dreamy sauce.

1. Step 1: Cook the Herb Rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. I love to fluff the rice with a fork and then stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped. Set it aside to keep warm.
2. Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp. While the rice is cooking, pat your shrimp very dry with paper towels – this is key for a good sear. In a mixing bowl, toss the 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and get those lovely golden edges. This is a crucial step in how to make creamy garlic shrimp taste amazing. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.



3. Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce. In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens for our creamy garlic butter shrimp dish.
4. Step 4: Combine and Serve. Add the seared shrimp back into the skillet with the luscious sauce. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the shrimp to coat them beautifully. This is the final step on how to make creamy garlic shrimp. Serve this delightful garlicky butter shrimp dish immediately over the prepared herb rice. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of freshness and color. Enjoy your simple garlic butter shrimp pasta alternative!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Want to elevate your creamy garlic butter shrimp game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Always pat your shrimp very dry before seasoning. This is crucial for getting a beautiful sear and keeping the sauce from becoming watery.
• Season in layers as you cook. A little salt and pepper for the rice, for the shrimp, and for the sauce ensures every bite is perfectly flavored.
• Don’t boil the heavy cream. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from splitting, ensuring that smooth, luscious texture for your garlicky butter shrimp dish.
• Let the shrimp rest for a few minutes after searing before adding them back to the sauce. This helps keep them tender and prevents overcooking.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic butter shrimp?

The real secret to the best creamy garlic shrimp is the technique: ensuring your shrimp are completely dry before searing creates a fantastic crust, and layering your seasonings guarantees deep flavor throughout the dish. It makes a huge difference! For more on cooking techniques, you can check out our about me page.

Can I make creamy garlic butter shrimp ahead of time?

You can prep elements ahead! The herb rice can be made and stored in the fridge. You can also whisk together the sauce ingredients (minus the cream) and store them separately. Cook the shrimp fresh right before serving for the best texture, then combine everything.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy garlic butter shrimp?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure you don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook fast! Also, be gentle with the heavy cream; avoid boiling it vigorously to prevent the sauce from splitting. Patting the shrimp dry is your best defense against a watery sauce. For more tips on avoiding kitchen mistakes, visit our terms of use.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This delicious dish shines when served in a comforting bowl, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The original recipe features the shrimp and sauce spooned generously over fluffy herb rice, creating a complete meal that’s both satisfying and beautiful. For a lighter option, you could serve this over a bed of zucchini noodles or even a vibrant quinoa salad. If you’re craving something a bit different, try tossing the creamy garlic butter shrimp with your favorite cooked pasta – it makes a fantastic, quick simple garlic butter shrimp pasta alternative that’s just as decadent. You can find more recipe ideas on our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

When you’re savoring this delicious bowl, here’s what you can expect per serving. This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is packed with flavor and protein.

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your garlicky butter shrimp dish. For more information on how we calculate these, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Proper storage ensures your creamy garlic butter shrimp stays tasty for future meals. First, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store the shrimp and rice mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your garlicky butter shrimp dish again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through. These methods are perfect for quick garlic butter shrimp meal ideas during a busy week! If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

What is creamy garlic butter shrimp?

Creamy garlic butter shrimp is a dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s often served with a side like rice or pasta, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. For more on food safety and storage, consult resources like the FoodSafety.gov website.

Why is creamy garlic shrimp popular?

Its popularity stems from a combination of factors: the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and cream is universally loved, it’s incredibly quick to prepare (often under 30 minutes!), and it feels luxurious and restaurant-quality without the fuss. It’s a perfect weeknight treat or a dish that impresses guests easily.

Can I substitute the heavy cream in creamy garlic butter shrimp?

While heavy cream provides that signature richness, you can try alternatives. Coconut milk (full-fat) can work for a dairy-free option, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Evaporated milk can also be used, but it might not thicken quite as well. For a lighter version, half-and-half might work, but be careful not to boil it to prevent splitting. If you’re looking for a variation, a dish like creamy shrimp scampi with garlic often uses white wine and lemon for brightness, which could be an interesting flavor profile to explore.

What are good side dishes for creamy garlic butter shrimp?

Besides the herb rice featured in this recipe, this garlicky butter shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce, steamed or roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad. If you’re aiming for a heartier meal, serving it over linguine or fettuccine pasta makes a fantastic simple garlic butter shrimp pasta.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes? This versatile creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Here are a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

• Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version of this shrimp recipe garlic butter cream, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. While it adds a subtle coconut note, the overall garlic butter shrimp flavor still shines through beautifully.
• Lemon Zest Zing: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce just before adding the shrimp back. This brightens up the rich flavors and offers a delightful contrast, making it a fantastic variation on traditional garlic butter shrimp with heavy cream.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or even a full teaspoon. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning for an extra layer of warmth in your garlicky butter shrimp dish.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or cherry tomatoes with the shrimp in the final step to add extra color, nutrients, and texture to your creamy garlic shrimp bowl.

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