Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe to Savor

I still remember the first time I made creamy garlic butter shrimp for my family. It was one of those chaotic evenings where I had very little time but wanted something comforting on the table. I found this garlic butter shrimp recipe tucked inside an old cookbook and thought, why not? As the buttery garlic shrimp sizzled in the pan, the aroma filled the kitchen, and my kids peeked in curiously. When I plated the creamy garlic butter shrimp, their eyes lit up with surprise and delight—a total game changer for our dinners!

That initial success turned creamy garlic butter shrimp into a family favorite overnight. The creamy shrimp pasta that comes from this recipe never fails to bring us together, even after the busiest days. It’s rich, flavorful, and just simple enough—proof that comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re a fellow comfort seeker juggling school lunches, after-school chaos, and the constant search for sanity-saving comfort food, this creamy garlic butter shrimp is worth trying. It’s been a trusty comfort hack for my busy kitchen, and I hope it becomes one for yours too.

Plus, I found more than one way to enjoy this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe, which keeps things exciting during our cozy chaos. I often think about how this garlic shrimp sauce blends buttery richness with just the right garlic punch—and the creamy shrimp pasta it creates is just a dinner win. For busy families needing simple comfort, these buttery garlic shrimp nights are a little oasis in the everyday rush.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Ingredients for creamy garlic butter shrimp including shrimp, garlic, butter, and cream
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – this makes the buttery garlic shrimp feel so rich
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced (fresh works best for that garlic butter shrimp recipe magic)
  • 1 cup heavy cream – the secret to the shrimp creamy sauce’s dreaminess
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds great depth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and fresh flavor)

No worries if you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand—sometimes, I swap in cream cheese for extra creaminess in my creamy garlic butter shrimp. It’s budget-friendly and still delivers that silky shrimp creamy sauce. You can snag all these ingredients at your regular grocery store or even your local market.

If you want to save time, grab pre-peeled shrimp. It’s a total comfort hack for busy moms like us. Another shortcut is using bottled minced garlic—although fresh garlic gives that garlic butter shrimp recipe an unbeatable aroma. Everyone in my family enjoys the buttery garlic shrimp flavor combo, but adding a pinch of red pepper flakes is a little twist we use for extra cozy comfort on chillier nights.

Let’s Make it Happen!

  1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add minced garlic. You’ll love how your kitchen smells—it’s a sure sign your creamy garlic butter shrimp is off to a great start.
  2. Toss in the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and firm. Don’t overcook—your creamy garlic butter shrimp should stay tender and juicy. If you see them curling too tightly, it’s a sign to remove them.
  3. Remove shrimp and set aside while you make the creamy shrimp pasta sauce. Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This is where that shrimp creamy sauce magic happens.
  4. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese while stirring gently. The sauce will thicken and turn velvety smooth—as comforting as a warm hug after a long day.
  5. Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Give it a quick stir, and your dinner is almost ready. My busy kitchen usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish for this creamy garlic butter shrimp.
  6. While the sauce simmers, it’s perfect time to prep a simple side or pack tomorrow’s school lunch. Multitasking comfort at its best.

If your creamy garlic butter shrimp looks too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it up. My family loves the creamy shrimp pasta served immediately, but leftovers taste just as good when reheated gently.

Learned from my early cooking journeys: timing is everything to perfect buttery garlic shrimp and keep that shrimp creamy sauce fresh—not overcooked or separating. It’s a dinnertime win many moms appreciate.

How We Love to Eat This!

Creamy garlic butter shrimp served over pasta with parsley garnish

My kids devour this comforting creamy garlic butter shrimp when I serve it over fluffy rice or a bed of their favorite noodles. The creamy shrimp pasta makes it feel like a special treat, even on those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast. Side-stepping veggies can be tricky, so I pair this dish with steamed broccoli or a simple salad—they add a fresh crunch that balances the creamy shrimp sauce perfectly.

For family gatherings, this creamy garlic butter shrimp shines as a show-stopper. I dress it up with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a little brightness—presentation matters when feeding hungry little ones and surprise guests alike! Leftovers? Absolutely! This creamy garlic butter shrimp reheats beautifully, making school lunch leftovers quick and satisfying.

Seasonal twists are fun too. In colder months, I throw in mushrooms or spinach to bulk up the creamy shrimp sauce. Warmer seasons call for a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Friends always ask for my recipe after tasting this comforting creamy garlic butter shrimp on holiday get-togethers.

Since my family loves variety, I’ve adapted the recipe to include different pasta types. For a fresh take, try the creamy shrimp pasta from Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Little Sunny Kitchen. If you’re curious about a spice kick, Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp – Cooked by Julie is fantastic. And for a buttery garlic shrimp pasta twist, Creamy Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Playful Cooking won’t disappoint.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

  • Is this creamy garlic butter shrimp filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely. The creamy shrimp pasta and buttery garlic shrimp combination offers a hearty meal. Adding sides like rice or noodles helps fuel active little ones.
  • What if my picky eater won’t try this creamy garlic butter shrimp? Start simple—serve the shrimp and creamy shrimp pasta separately. Kids can pick what they like. You can also toss in milder veggies or reduce garlic for sensitive taste buds.
  • Can I meal prep this creamy garlic butter shrimp for busy weeks ahead? Yes! Store shrimp and sauce separately and reheat gently to keep that creamy shrimp sauce fresh. Pair with quick sides like steamed veggies or instant noodles. If you want more meal ideas, check out my Instant Noodles with Egg Butter Garlic recipe.
  • Does this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe work with frozen shrimp? Thaw first for the best texture, but frozen shrimp works well if properly cooked. Just watch timing—overcooking can toughen those buttery garlic shrimp.
  • Can I add other proteins or veggies? Definitely! Chicken or scallops work nicely. Veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or peas blend wonderfully into the shrimp creamy sauce.
  • Is there a way to make this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe healthier? Swapping heavy cream for half-and-half lightens it up slightly. Adding veggies boosts fiber and nutrition without losing that comforting creamy shrimp pasta feel. For more cozy soup options, try my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup.
  • How do I store leftovers safely? Keep creamy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 2 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts:

This creamy garlic butter shrimp supports my family’s comfort food goals by offering a simple, flavorful meal that satisfies without adding stress. My creamy garlic butter shrimp Comfort Hacks have saved me many times:

  • Using pre-peeled shrimp for quick prep
  • Keeping garlic fresh or frozen minced garlic on hand to save time
  • Pairing the creamy shrimp pasta with versatile sides like rice or steamed veggies

My family has enjoyed several creamy garlic butter shrimp variations—sometimes with a touch of spice for my husband, or extra cheese for the kids. My daughter loves it over linguine, similar to the recipe in Butter Chicken Linguine: Delicious Creamy Main Dish, and my son prefers it simply served over rice. These little tweaks make the recipe truly our own.

I encourage you to make this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe your own comfort hack. Remember, the beauty of this shrimp creamy sauce is how adaptable it is for your family’s tastes and schedule. Here’s to many more stress-free, satisfying dinners with your loved ones! If you’re hungry for more comforting family meals, definitely peek at these cozy favorites to keep your kitchen happy.

If you’re ready for a creamy garlic butter shrimp meal that melts away the day’s chaos and fills your family’s bellies with warmth, you’re in the right place. Let’s keep creating those mealtime wins together!

For even more simple comfort food ideas, check out these family favorites:

And if creamy dishes have you craving cozy sides, my recipes for Instant Noodles with Egg Butter Garlic, Butter Chicken Linguine, and Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup are made for busy families seeking those calm kitchen moments.

Ready to turn your crowded kitchen into a comfort zone with creamy garlic butter shrimp? You’ve got this!

Print

creamy garlic butter shrimp

This creamy garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking gently until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and heat through for another minute.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve this dish over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

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