![- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Cooked pasta or rice for serving I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients for my creamy garlic butter shrimp. The shrimp are the star of this dish. I always choose large shrimp, as they become juicy and tender when cooked. Butter adds richness and flavor. Garlic brings a warm, savory punch. Heavy cream creates that dreamy, creamy sauce. The chicken broth adds depth and helps balance the cream. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it vibrant. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite delightful. I often add fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Serve this dish over pasta or rice. It makes every meal feel special. For the full recipe, check out the listed ingredients above. Enjoy cooking! - First, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. - Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. - Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. - In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - Let it melt completely, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. - Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. - Be careful! Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will taste bitter. - Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. - Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. - This helps the sauce thicken slightly. - Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. - Stir to coat the shrimp with the creamy sauce. - Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. - Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To cook shrimp perfectly, focus on timing. Shrimp cook fast. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be tough. Always remove them from the pan as soon as they are done. For sauce thickness, let it simmer. If it’s too thin, cook it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir well to blend. Adding spices can boost flavor. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add depth. You can also mix in lemon zest for brightness. For garnishes, fresh parsley works well. Sprinkle it on top before serving. A lemon wedge adds a nice touch. It looks good and gives a fresh burst of flavor. Creamy garlic butter shrimp pairs best with pasta or rice. They soak up the sauce nicely. Serve it in shallow bowls for a nice presentation. For plating, add a sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge. Drizzle olive oil on top for shine. This makes the dish look gourmet and inviting. Enjoy this beautiful meal with loved ones. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops. Both proteins work well in this creamy garlic butter dish. Make sure to adjust cooking times. Chicken needs a bit longer to cook, while scallops cook quickly. If you want a lighter meal, try using dairy-free cream. Options like coconut cream or cashew cream can give you a similar texture. They also add a new flavor twist that is delicious. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice heat. If you prefer a fresh taste, consider adding herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs can brighten up the creamy sauce and make it special. Serving the shrimp over zoodles or cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option. It keeps the meal light and healthy. You can also pair this dish with different sauces. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of pesto can enhance the flavor even more. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store your creamy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat. This helps prevent overcooking. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. To revive the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while heating. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Recommended thawing methods for frozen shrimp: - Place shrimp in the fridge overnight. - Submerge shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. - Microwave on defrost setting for a few minutes. You can still make a tasty sauce without heavy cream. Alternatives to heavy cream in the sauce: - Use half-and-half for a lighter option. - Try coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. - Mix milk with a bit of flour for thickness. Making this dish dairy-free is easy and still delicious. Ingredients and adjustments for a dairy-free version: - Use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter. - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. - Skip the butter on top and use olive oil. Pairing the right sides can enhance your meal even more. Suggestions for complementary sides to enhance the meal: - Serve with cooked pasta or rice for a hearty meal. - Add a fresh salad for crunch and brightness. - Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. In this article, we covered the essential ingredients for creamy garlic butter shrimp, from shrimp to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect cooking and robust flavors. Tips and variations helped offer choices based on your preferences. Whether you serve it with pasta or try a dairy-free twist, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy creating this easy, delicious recipe and impress your family and friends!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a7c45f3d-be50-4106-868a-9f64665c865b-768x768.webp)
Craving a meal that bursts with flavor yet feels like a treat? Look no further! My Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is an easy-to-make delight that will wow your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a rich sauce that coats tender shrimp perfectly. Ready to impress at dinner? Let’s dive into this flavorful journey and make your next meal unforgettable!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients for my creamy garlic butter shrimp. The shrimp are the star of this dish. I always choose large shrimp, as they become juicy and tender when cooked.
Butter adds richness and flavor. Garlic brings a warm, savory punch. Heavy cream creates that dreamy, creamy sauce. The chicken broth adds depth and helps balance the cream.
Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it vibrant. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite delightful.
I often add fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Serve this dish over pasta or rice. It makes every meal feel special.
For the full recipe, check out the listed ingredients above. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
- First, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque.
- Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Let it melt completely, then add 4 minced garlic cloves.
- Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great.
- Be careful! Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will taste bitter.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- This helps the sauce thicken slightly.
- Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir to coat the shrimp with the creamy sauce.
- Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
For the full recipe, check the recipe section above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To cook shrimp perfectly, focus on timing. Shrimp cook fast. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be tough. Always remove them from the pan as soon as they are done.
For sauce thickness, let it simmer. If it’s too thin, cook it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir well to blend.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding spices can boost flavor. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add depth. You can also mix in lemon zest for brightness.
For garnishes, fresh parsley works well. Sprinkle it on top before serving. A lemon wedge adds a nice touch. It looks good and gives a fresh burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy garlic butter shrimp pairs best with pasta or rice. They soak up the sauce nicely. Serve it in shallow bowls for a nice presentation.
For plating, add a sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge. Drizzle olive oil on top for shine. This makes the dish look gourmet and inviting. Enjoy this beautiful meal with loved ones. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops. Both proteins work well in this creamy garlic butter dish. Make sure to adjust cooking times. Chicken needs a bit longer to cook, while scallops cook quickly.
If you want a lighter meal, try using dairy-free cream. Options like coconut cream or cashew cream can give you a similar texture. They also add a new flavor twist that is delicious.
Flavor Profiles
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice heat. If you prefer a fresh taste, consider adding herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs can brighten up the creamy sauce and make it special.
Accompaniments
Serving the shrimp over zoodles or cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option. It keeps the meal light and healthy. You can also pair this dish with different sauces. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of pesto can enhance the flavor even more. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store your creamy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture.
Freezing Options
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight.
Reheating Methods
Reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat. This helps prevent overcooking. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. To revive the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while heating. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking.
Recommended thawing methods for frozen shrimp:
- Place shrimp in the fridge overnight.
- Submerge shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave on defrost setting for a few minutes.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can still make a tasty sauce without heavy cream.
Alternatives to heavy cream in the sauce:
- Use half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Try coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Mix milk with a bit of flour for thickness.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Making this dish dairy-free is easy and still delicious.
Ingredients and adjustments for a dairy-free version:
- Use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Skip the butter on top and use olive oil.
What side dishes pair well with creamy garlic butter shrimp?
Pairing the right sides can enhance your meal even more.
Suggestions for complementary sides to enhance the meal:
- Serve with cooked pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
- Add a fresh salad for crunch and brightness.
- Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition.
For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
In this article, we covered the essential ingredients for creamy garlic butter shrimp, from shrimp to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect cooking and robust flavors. Tips and variations helped offer choices based on your preferences.
Whether you serve it with pasta or try a dairy-free twist, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy creating this easy, delicious recipe and impress your family and friends!
![- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Cooked pasta or rice for serving I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients for my creamy garlic butter shrimp. The shrimp are the star of this dish. I always choose large shrimp, as they become juicy and tender when cooked. Butter adds richness and flavor. Garlic brings a warm, savory punch. Heavy cream creates that dreamy, creamy sauce. The chicken broth adds depth and helps balance the cream. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it vibrant. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite delightful. I often add fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Serve this dish over pasta or rice. It makes every meal feel special. For the full recipe, check out the listed ingredients above. Enjoy cooking! - First, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. - Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. - Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. - Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. - In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. - Let it melt completely, then add 4 minced garlic cloves. - Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. - Be careful! Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will taste bitter. - Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. - Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. - This helps the sauce thicken slightly. - Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. - Stir to coat the shrimp with the creamy sauce. - Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. - Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To cook shrimp perfectly, focus on timing. Shrimp cook fast. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be tough. Always remove them from the pan as soon as they are done. For sauce thickness, let it simmer. If it’s too thin, cook it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir well to blend. Adding spices can boost flavor. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add depth. You can also mix in lemon zest for brightness. For garnishes, fresh parsley works well. Sprinkle it on top before serving. A lemon wedge adds a nice touch. It looks good and gives a fresh burst of flavor. Creamy garlic butter shrimp pairs best with pasta or rice. They soak up the sauce nicely. Serve it in shallow bowls for a nice presentation. For plating, add a sprinkle of parsley and a lemon wedge. Drizzle olive oil on top for shine. This makes the dish look gourmet and inviting. Enjoy this beautiful meal with loved ones. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops. Both proteins work well in this creamy garlic butter dish. Make sure to adjust cooking times. Chicken needs a bit longer to cook, while scallops cook quickly. If you want a lighter meal, try using dairy-free cream. Options like coconut cream or cashew cream can give you a similar texture. They also add a new flavor twist that is delicious. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. This will give the dish a nice heat. If you prefer a fresh taste, consider adding herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs can brighten up the creamy sauce and make it special. Serving the shrimp over zoodles or cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option. It keeps the meal light and healthy. You can also pair this dish with different sauces. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of pesto can enhance the flavor even more. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store your creamy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat your shrimp in a skillet over low heat. This helps prevent overcooking. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. To revive the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while heating. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Recommended thawing methods for frozen shrimp: - Place shrimp in the fridge overnight. - Submerge shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. - Microwave on defrost setting for a few minutes. You can still make a tasty sauce without heavy cream. Alternatives to heavy cream in the sauce: - Use half-and-half for a lighter option. - Try coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. - Mix milk with a bit of flour for thickness. Making this dish dairy-free is easy and still delicious. Ingredients and adjustments for a dairy-free version: - Use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter. - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. - Skip the butter on top and use olive oil. Pairing the right sides can enhance your meal even more. Suggestions for complementary sides to enhance the meal: - Serve with cooked pasta or rice for a hearty meal. - Add a fresh salad for crunch and brightness. - Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. In this article, we covered the essential ingredients for creamy garlic butter shrimp, from shrimp to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect cooking and robust flavors. Tips and variations helped offer choices based on your preferences. Whether you serve it with pasta or try a dairy-free twist, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy creating this easy, delicious recipe and impress your family and friends!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a7c45f3d-be50-4106-868a-9f64665c865b-250x250.webp)
