Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
Creamy Garlic Shrimp is the best way to enjoy juicy, garlicky shrimp at home in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamy garlic butter sauce that’s better than takeout. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Breakfast Enchiladas and Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables.
Why This Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Juicy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce
- Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Better than takeout, saves you money and time
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
What You'll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Bread for dipping
📝 Ingredient Notes
- shrimp: Peel and devein if needed
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing → See on Amazon
- Garlic press — Makes mincing garlic a breeze → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
- Prepare shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook shrimp: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sauce: Mince garlic and add to the same skillet. Cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until thickened. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Combine and serve: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
- : Use high heat to cook the shrimp quickly and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the shrimp. They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- : For a spicy version, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or water.
Want to level up this recipe?
Silicone tongs — Easy to handle and won't damage the shrimp → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
- Bread for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp: Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook shrimp: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sauce: Mince garlic and add to the same skillet. Cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until thickened. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Combine and serve: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
- Best substitution: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops for a similar dish.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little chicken broth or water.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sat. Fat: 16g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Overcooking the shrimp causes them to become dry and tough. Cook them quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking.
Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating. The sauce may separate upon freezing and reheating.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, then toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic shrimp is typically cooked in a creamy sauce, while garlic scampi is usually cooked in a lemon-butter sauce with white wine and red pepper flakes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
