Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp (26/30 per pound), peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio); 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons cold butter; ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley

This recipe is a total game-changer if you're craving rich, buttery shrimp that come together in under 30 minutes. If you want something indulgent but simple, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner.

A close-up view of a stainless steel pan filled with about three layers of shrimp in a creamy white sauce. The shrimp are orange with pink tails and are spread evenly in the sauce. There are scattered chopped green herbs on top and inside the sauce, with thin lemon slices placed between the shrimp. A silver spoon is scooping up several shrimp from the pan, showing the shrimp's smooth texture and the creamy sauce coating them. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this recipe because it feels fancy but is ridiculously easy. It’s perfect when you want to impress without stress — plus, that garlicky, creamy sauce is genuinely addictive.

Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Flavor-Packed: Each bite bursts with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan—a match made in heaven.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in a single skillet.
Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies for easy weeknight flexibility.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe relies on a handful of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds flavor or texture that ensures the dish isn’t just rich but balanced and savory.

Flat lay of fresh large raw shrimp with shells removed, a small mound of minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth, a wedge of fresh Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a few bright yellow fresh lemon wedges, a small pile of cold butter cubes, a small bunch of freshly chopped green parsley, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning and mustard powder placed neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and quick cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp perfectly while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and depth—don’t skip it if you can, but chicken broth works too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates that unmistakable aromatic foundation.
Chicken Broth: Boosts savory flavors and adds liquid to build the sauce.
Italian Seasoning & Mustard Powder: Subtle spices that elevate the sauce complexity.
Heavy Cream: For that silky, luscious base.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami; freshly grated is a must for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Cold Butter: Finishes the sauce with a glossy sheen and extra richness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this recipe by switching up the greens or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m in the mood for a little heat. Feel free to make it your own by adding extra herbs or even swapping cream for coconut milk if you want a dairy-free twist.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach near the end—it added a lovely texture and color pop that my guests adored.
Dietary modification: To keep it lighter, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Seasonal change: During summer, tossing in fresh cherry tomatoes brightens the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

A bowl holds a creamy shrimp dish with about seven shrimp covered in white sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The shrimp are light pink with some orange, and the sauce looks thick and smooth, pooling around the shrimp. Two lemon slices rest behind the shrimp on the right side. On the left side of the bowl, there are dark green leafy vegetables that look fresh and textured. A silver fork is lifting one shrimp from the sauce, held by a woman's hand. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro

First things first, make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry—this helps them sear nicely rather than steam in the skillet. I always remove shells and veins ahead of time, so you're not scrambling during cooking. Heat olive oil over medium-high, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side about 1 minute 20 seconds—use a timer! Overcooking shrimp is a rookie mistake I’ve learned to avoid because they get rubbery fast. Once cooked, slide them onto a clean plate and keep them warm.

Step 2: Build That Flavorful Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it!), pour in the white wine and minced garlic. Let this bubble gently for 3-4 minutes so the wine reduces by half—this step concentrates flavor and cooks off the alcohol. Then add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and mustard powder. Bring to a simmer and reduce for 6-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once thickened, lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, followed by freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s important to keep the heat low here to avoid separating the dairy.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return your shrimp to the skillet and allow to warm for 30 seconds. Then add the cold butter in small chunks, tilting the pan and swirling it to melt the butter evenly through the sauce—this step makes it luxuriously silky. Finally, remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice; adding lemon off the heat keeps the sauce from curdling. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top before serving.

Top Tip

From cooking this creamy garlic shrimp dish hundreds of times, a few little tricks keep it perfect every time.

Shrimp Timing: I always set a kitchen timer because shrimp can overcook in seconds—once they turn pink and curl, they're done.
Fresh Parmesan: I learned pretty quickly that packaged pre-grated cheese can lead to grainy sauce; always grate your own for smooth results.
Butter Finish: Adding cold butter off heat at the end not only deepens the flavor but also gives the sauce a beautiful sheen.
Lemon Last: Wait to add lemon juice until the skillet’s off the heat to avoid the cream separating—this keeps your sauce silky.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Two side-by-side images show the process of making a creamy sauce in a silver pan placed on a white marbled surface. The left image has a liquid being poured from a small glass container into the pan filled with a beige, slightly grainy mixture that has small bits and specks. The right image shows the same pan with a smooth, light cream-colored sauce mixed evenly, with black specks throughout, being stirred by a red spatula with white dots. The pan handle is visible in both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with a little extra fresh parsley—it adds a lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Occasionally, I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a huge fan of buttery linguine tossed with this sauce, but warm crusty bread for dipping works just as well. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies like asparagus also make excellent partners if you want something low-carb.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've plated the shrimp over a bed of saffron rice and garnished with lemon zest and microgreens—fancy but surprisingly easy—and it always impresses without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2-3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so I loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well because cream-based sauces can split. If you want to save time, I recommend freezing just the cooked shrimp separately without sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of added broth or milk, stirring frequently to bring the sauce back to a creamy smoothness—avoid the microwave if possible to keep texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet, which can stop the shrimp from searing properly.

What’s the best way to avoid the sauce curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding dairy ingredients, especially when stirring in the Parmesan and lemon juice. Adding lemon juice off the heat is key to preventing curdling due to acidity.

Can I make this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the classic version.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This dish goes wonderfully with linguine, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s super versatile!

Final Thoughts

I genuinely treasure this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe because it brings comforting, restaurant-worthy flavors right to my kitchen without fuss. I hope you try it soon—it’s one of those dishes that somehow feels special but never complicated. Trust me, once you get this one in your recipe rotation, you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t sooner. Dive in, enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way