Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a rich, restaurant-quality meal made with juicy shrimp, garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a silky cream sauce. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
Finish the Dish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Nut Information
Contains Nuts: No
Tree Nuts: None
Peanuts: None
Nut-Free: Yes.
Allergy Note: This recipe does not contain nuts. However, always check packaged ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, butter, and seasonings for potential cross-contact if preparing for someone with a severe nut allergy.
Other Allergens Present:
- Shellfish (shrimp)
- Milk (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan)
- Mustard (if using Dijon mustard)
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Tips
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the juiciest results.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear instead of steam.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they only need about 2 minutes per side.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy shrimp skillet with:
- Buttered pasta or fettuccine
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them only during the final 1–2 minutes to warm through and avoid overcooking.
3. Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto?
Yes. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and pairs well with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
4. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes. You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
5. What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes all work well.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter, unsweetened dairy-free cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
7. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
8. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of Cajun seasoning or your favorite hot sauce.
9. What type of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
10. Can I make this meal ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared in advance, but for the best texture, cook the shrimp just before serving and combine them with the warmed sauce.
