Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Shrimp:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and melt.
Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Add Cream and Cheese:
Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to coat evenly.
Let it cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Enjoy this indulgent dish with a creamy garlic kick!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry; this is crucial for a good sear. In your skillet, melt the first portion of butter until it foams slightly before adding the shrimp in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. After removing the shrimp, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (fond) for maximum flavor. When adding the cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling. Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Finally, return the shrimp just to warm through, avoiding overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several bases. For a classic meal, serve over a bed of fettuccine or angel hair pasta. It’s equally delicious with steamed white rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter take, spoon it over zucchini noodles or a simple green salad. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every bit of the luxurious sauce.
How-to Summary
Quick summary: Dry and season shrimp. Sear in butter and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, add broth, then cream, Parmesan, and seasoning to create a sauce. Simmer to thicken, return shrimp to coat, garnish, and serve over your chosen side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them extremely dry to avoid a watery sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half can work but will yield a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free version, full-fat canned coconut cream is an excellent alternative.
How can I make this sauce thicker? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth? Vegetable broth or seafood stock work perfectly. In a pinch, you can use water with an extra pinch of salt.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Shrimp: This leads to steaming instead of searing and can dilute the sauce.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté only until fragrant (about 1 minute). Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Liquid: High, direct heat can cause the Parmesan to clump. Always reduce heat before adding.
- Crowding the Pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once lowers the pan temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to make at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressively creamy, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Its versatility in serving options makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests. Master this foundational recipe, and you’ll have a go-to favorite for any occasion.