Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Herb Rice & Cracked Pepper

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

Our creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is a keeper for several compelling reasons, making it a staple for quick weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

• Incredibly Flavorful: A symphony of savory garlic, rich butter, bright lemon, and fresh herbs, all enveloped in a decadent cream sauce. It’s a taste that truly satisfies.
• Lightning Fast: From prep to plate, it’s a true 15-minute shrimp recipe. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss.
• Versatile & Customizable: Serve with creamy shrimp pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread. Easily add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap proteins.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need a specialty store. All components are common pantry and fridge staples, making this an easy shrimp recipe to whip up anytime.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: Impress guests and family! Achieve a decadent meal that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Crafting the perfect creamy garlic butter shrimp starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Here’s a concise breakdown:

• The Star of the Show: Shrimp

  Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Large or jumbo (16-25 count) are ideal for quick cooking and succulence. If frozen, thaw thoroughly in cold water and pat dry – crucial for a good sear. This ensures a succulent shrimp recipe every time.

• The Flavor Foundation: The Aromatics

  • Butter: Unsalted is preferred for sodium control, providing rich flavor for cooking shrimp in butter.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for vibrant, pungent flavor unmatched by jarred versions.
  • Shallot (Optional): A finely diced shallot adds subtle sweetness and depth.

• The Creamy Sauce

  • Heavy Cream: Essential for a luxuriously rich, stable sauce that won’t curdle, ensuring a velvety texture for your shrimp in cream sauce.
  • Dry White Wine (Optional): Deglazes the pan, adding acidity and depth. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are great. Substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness.

• Finishing Touches

  • Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Perfect for parsley and lemon shrimp.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, adding salty, nutty umami that thickens and enriches the sauce. Great for garlic parmesan shrimp.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick.
  • Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Season to perfection.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible creamy garlic butter shrimp skillet.

1. Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)

   For this speedy 15-minute shrimp recipe, organization is key. Mince garlic, chop parsley, juice lemon, and pat shrimp dry. Have everything ready before you start cooking.

2. Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

   Pat shrimp completely dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with butter and oil. Add shrimp in a single layer, without overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. This is key for perfectly pan-seared shrimp.

3. Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce Foundation

   Reduce heat to medium-low. Add more butter. Sauté minced garlic (and shallots) for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, preventing browning. Pour in white wine (or broth) to deglaze, scraping up all flavorful browned bits (fond) from the pan.

4. Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

   Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. A gentle simmer prevents curdling. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and most of the parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning for a perfect rich garlic cream sauce.

5. Step 5: Combine and Finish

   Return seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through for about 1 minute. Garnish with remaining fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve your delicious homemade shrimp dinner immediately.

The Perfect Side: Herb Rice with Cracked Pepper

Pairing your creamy garlic butter shrimp with our simple herb rice elevates the meal, perfect for soaking up every drop of that exquisite sauce.

Why Herb Rice is the Ideal Pairing

Fluffy, fragrant rice perfectly complements the rich flavors of the shrimp. Its texture is ideal for absorbing the decadent rich garlic cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. A great alternative to creamy shrimp pasta.

Ingredients for Herb Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup fresh mixed herbs (parsley, dill, chives), chopped
• ½ tsp coarsely cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

How to Make It

1. Rinse rice. Toast in butter/oil for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add broth and salt, bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, simmer 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbed.
3. Remove, let stand 5 mins, fluff. Stir in fresh herbs and black pepper. Serve with shrimp.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

Achieve perfection with your creamy garlic butter shrimp every time with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The #1 rule! Shrimp cook fast. They form a « C » shape when done; an « O » means rubbery.
• Use a Large Skillet: Prevents overcrowding, which steams shrimp instead of searing them for better flavor.
• Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley for the most vibrant and succulent shrimp recipe.
• Control Your Heat: Keep heat medium-low when sautéing garlic to prevent bitterness.
• Scrape the Fond: Those browned bits in the pan are flavor gold. Deglaze properly to incorporate them into your rich garlic cream sauce.
• Let the Sauce Thicken: Patience is key. Allow the cream sauce to gently simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations and Customizations

This creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to make it your own.

• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra kick.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Sauté firmer veggies with garlic.
• Swap the Protein: This luxurious sauce works wonderfully with pan-seared chicken, scallops, or firm white fish.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (flavor will change subtly), dairy-free butter, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with dill, chives, or basil for different aromatic twists.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This versatile creamy garlic butter shrimp dish pairs beautifully with various sides, making it a perfect seafood dinner idea.

• Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair for decadent creamy shrimp pasta.
• Low-Carb Options: Zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a delightful keto garlic shrimp meal.
• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that incredible rich garlic cream sauce.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add freshness.
• Rice: Our suggested herb rice or a simple white rice for a satisfying shrimp and rice recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While best fresh, store leftover creamy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat or microwaving to prevent overcooking shrimp and sauce separation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?

It’s not recommended. Cooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery if added early. For best texture, start with raw shrimp. If you must use cooked, add them at the very end, just to heat through (30-60 seconds).

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp without wine?

Absolutely! Substitute dry white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or seafood stock. It primarily deglazes and adds acidity; the dish will still be incredibly flavorful without it.

How do I keep my cream sauce from curdling?

Use heavy cream, which is stable due to its high fat content. Avoid rapid boiling; a gentle simmer is sufficient. Add acidic ingredients like lemon juice towards the end of cooking or off the heat, stirring gently.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, making it excellent for a ketogenic diet. Pair it with keto-friendly sides like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to maintain its low-carb status.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Seafood dishes are best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Reheated shrimp can become rubbery. However, you can prep all ingredients (mince garlic, chop herbs, thaw shrimp) in advance to speed up cooking when ready to serve.

The Recipe Card

Find the complete ingredients, detailed instructions, and nutritional information for this delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe in the printable recipe card below.