There’s something so satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly yet feels indulgently special. That's exactly why I’m excited to share my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe—a perfect blend of rich flavors and speedy prep that feels like a treat any night of the week.

A close-up view of a pan filled with creamy shrimp sauce featuring around twenty pink-orange shrimp scattered evenly throughout. The sauce is light yellow with a smooth, thick texture and is dotted with finely chopped green herbs. Thin lemon slices with bright yellow rinds are mixed in between the shrimp, adding contrast. A large silver spoon is scooping up several shrimp along with some sauce. The background is a white marbled surface. 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
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon this creamy garlic shrimp skillet recipe when I needed a fuss-free, comforting meal that didn’t skimp on flavor. Now it’s become my go-to for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Speedy Prep and Cook Time: You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of white wine creates a sauce that’s indulgent without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have many of these pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it’s a dish that pairs beautifully with a range of sides.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic comes from simple, fresh ingredients playing off each other just right. The shrimp adds succulent protein, while the garlic and Parmesan build depth. The wine and lemon juice balance richness with brightness—a combo that never disappoints.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells removed arranged neatly beside a small mound of minced garlic cloves, a few cloves of whole garlic bulb, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, another small white bowl holding dry white wine, a third small white bowl containing clear chicken broth, a small pile of fresh Italian seasoning herbs, a pinch of yellow mustard powder on the surface, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a wedge of fresh Parmesan cheese with some grated cheese next to it, a small white bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice, several cold butter cubes arranged tidily, and a small bunch of finely chopped bright green parsley, all 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

Large Shrimp: I prefer shrimp labeled 26/30 per pound for that perfect meaty bite; fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp work great.
Olive Oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are my favorites here; they lend acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable—it gives the sauce that irresistible aromatic punch.
Chicken Broth: Brings savory depth and helps thin out the sauce just the right amount.
Italian Seasoning & Mustard Powder: These add complexity and subtle warmth without extra effort.
Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce—gives everything that luscious, silky texture you want in creamy dishes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully; skip the pre-grated stuff for better flavor and texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a slight zing that lifts the whole dish.
Cold Butter: Swirled in at the end for a glossy finish and extra richness.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.

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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

The beauty of my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak things depending on what I’m craving or what’s in my fridge. Don’t be shy—make it yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it lighter or use coconut cream for a dairy-free spin, which surprisingly works well!
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a nice gentle kick—great for warming up cold evenings.
Herb Switch: I love experimenting with fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for new flavor twists.

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

A white bowl filled with a creamy shrimp dish is shown on a white marbled surface. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer contains green leafy vegetables, mainly kale and spinach with textured, curly leaves on the side of the bowl. The top layer is made up of large shrimp coated in a thick white creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Two slices of yellow lemon with visible seeds rest on the top edge of the shrimp layer, adding color contrast. A silver fork is lifting some shrimp coated in sauce near the right side of the bowl, emphasizing the creamy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro

First things first: thaw your shrimp fully if frozen and pat them dry—this helps them brown nicely without steaming. Don’t forget to peel and devein unless you have already prepped shrimp. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat; once hot, add your shrimp and cook for roughly 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. I use a timer here so they don’t get rubbery—which is the last thing you want! Once cooked, transfer them to a plate but keep the pan handy; we’ll build the sauce next.

Step 2: Building That Flavorful Sauce

Drop the white wine and garlic into the same skillet and reduce it gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the liquid halves and the aroma fills your kitchen. Then add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of mustard powder. Let this simmer for 6 to 7 minutes—it thickens nicely and intensifies the flavor. Turn heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, followed by freshly grated Parmesan cheese until silky smooth.

Step 3: Finish It Off

Slip the shrimp back into the sauce and let them warm through for about 30 seconds. Then add your cold butter and gently swirl the pan so the butter melts perfectly, giving the sauce that glossy richness. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately!

Top Tip

I’ve made this creamy garlic shrimp skillet countless times, and a few tips have made all the difference in nailing that restaurant-quality finish:

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Using a timer to keep shrimp tender ensures they won’t curl up tough and rubbery.
Fresh Parmesan Matters: Pre-grated cheese can lead to grainy sauce; freshly grating your own cheese makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Keep It Low Heat When Adding Cheese: High heat can cause cream to separate—so keep the sauce just warm when folding in cheese and butter.
Add Lemon Juice Off Heat: Adding acidity when the pan is off prevents curdling and keeps your sauce silky.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side stainless steel pans on a white marbled surface. In the left pan, a light yellow liquid mixed with grains and spices fills the pan halfway, while a clear yellow liquid is being poured into it from a clear glass measuring cup held by a woman's hand from the top left corner. The right pan contains a creamy white sauce with visible specks of herbs and spices, with a red spatula that has white polka dots resting inside the sauce and the spatula handle pointing toward the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my skillet with a fresh sprinkle of flat-leaf parsley—not only does it brighten the dish visually, but it adds that fresh herbal lift I crave with rich sauces. A little extra cracked black pepper over the top can also add a nice zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is buttery linguine tossed right into the skillet sauce to soak up every delicious drop. If I want a low-carb option, I’ll pair it with roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach for a fresh, vibrant contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I’ve served this shrimp over creamy polenta or nestled alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner party vibe. Layering with grilled lemon wedges on the side adds that extra pop of brightness and looks gorgeous on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, which is rarely the case at my house, store them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken in the fridge, so be ready to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

I generally avoid freezing this creamy garlic shrimp skillet recipe because the cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy. If you need to freeze, consider freezing the shrimp and sauce separately, though fresh is always best here.

Reheating

To gently reheat, I warm the leftovers over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwaving works if you keep the heat moderate and stir often, but stovetop reheating gives the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp directly in this recipe?

It’s best to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking. Cooking shrimp straight from frozen can result in uneven cooking and more liquid released, which affects the sauce texture. Thaw quickly by placing frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes, then dry thoroughly.

What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have white wine on hand, use an equal amount of chicken broth instead. It will still add depth to the sauce. Adding a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice can help replicate that bright acidity if desired.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

To avoid curdling, keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese. Also, add lemon juice only after removing the pan from heat. Stir gently and avoid boiling the sauce once cream is added to maintain a smooth consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the creamy texture and tender shrimp. However, you can prep shrimp and sauce components separately ahead of time, then quickly combine and reheat gently when ready to serve. Avoid freezing the complete prepared dish for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it balances ease and elegance perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting friends, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a celebration without hours of effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—after all, great food is best when shared with good company.