Creamy Garlic Shrimp with White Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something decadently creamy yet incredibly quick to make, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with White Sauce is about to become your new favorite dinner. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a rich, garlicky white sauce that clings to every bite. It’s luxurious, satisfying, and comes together in about 20 minutes—yes, really! This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can have this creamy shrimp dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The garlic-infused white sauce is velvety, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes—this sauce is good on everything.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that looks fancy but is secretly very easy, and everyone always asks for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together quickly but make for a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen both work—just thaw completely and pat dry.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic foundation.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bring out the flavor of the garlic.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so lusciously creamy. Don’t substitute with milk unless you’re okay with a thinner sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and deepens the creamy flavor. Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps balance the richness of the cream and loosens the sauce slightly.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the shrimp. Helps develop that beautiful golden color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For basic seasoning—adjust to your taste.
• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the whole dish.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick of heat.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty twist.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, savory boost.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli instead of pasta.
• Herbed Cream Sauce: Add dried Italian herbs or fresh basil to elevate the flavor.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp with White Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Build the White Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it melt into the sauce completely. Return the shrimp to the skillet and coat them well with the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and can become rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and firm up, they’re done.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Let the cream simmer: Don’t boil it. A gentle simmer allows the sauce to thicken without curdling.
• Dry your shrimp well: This helps them sear properly instead of steaming.

How to Serve

This dish is all about that creamy sauce, so give it something to cling to:

Over Pasta:

Linguine or fettuccine works beautifully. Let the sauce wrap around each strand.

With Rice:

A bed of fluffy rice soaks up every last drop of that white sauce.

Crusty Bread:

Perfect for dipping and mopping up the garlicky creaminess.

With Veggies:

Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken more as it sits.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce can separate upon reheating. If you must, freeze the shrimp separately from the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best texture.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a boil. And add the cheese slowly while stirring, so it melts smoothly into the sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Add a bit more cheese to help thicken it.

Is this dish gluten-free?
The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it over gluten-free pasta or rice, and double-check your broth and cheese for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with White Sauce is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and indulgent without being fussy. The creamy garlic sauce transforms simple shrimp into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again, and once you try it, you’ll see just how easy it is to bring a touch of elegance to your everyday cooking. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

Print