There’s something magical about the combination of shrimp, garlic, and lemon. Add a creamy, rich sauce to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic meal, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive, this is it. Here’s why Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp will become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Bursting with Flavor: The Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, and garlic create layers of flavor that elevate the shrimp.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and white wine makes the sauce velvety smooth and utterly irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 20–25 minutes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients to make the process seamless. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
Large shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 ½ lb. |
Old Bay seasoning | 1 Tbsp. |
Lemon (zested, halved) | 1 |
Kosher salt | ¼ tsp. |
Unsalted butter | 3 Tbsp. |
Garlic (sliced) | 3 cloves |
Dry white wine | ½ cup |
Heavy cream | ⅔ cup |
Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth | ½ cup |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 Tbsp. |
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and looks as good as it tastes.
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, 1 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning, the zest of 1 lemon, and ¼ tsp. kosher salt. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large stainless-steel skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and starts to soften.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Wine
- Pour in ½ cup dry white wine and stir to deglaze the pan.
- Bring the wine to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add ⅔ cup heavy cream and ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet.
- Stir and return the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about half.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Squeeze the juice from ½ lemon into the pan and stir.
- Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the remaining ½ lemon into wedges and serve alongside the dish.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
1. Use Fresh Shrimp
Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
3. Choose the Right Wine
Opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the dish.
4. Adjust the Seasoning
Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning or salt to suit your taste preferences.
5. Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is versatile enough to work for casual dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests. Here’s how you can enjoy it:
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with steamed rice or a simple salad for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Date Night: Serve with pasta and a glass of white wine for an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner.
- Entertaining: Impress your guests by serving this dish alongside garlic bread and roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~290 |
Protein | 23g |
Fat | 18g |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Sugar | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. You can also use a splash of lemon juice for added acidity.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the heavy cream, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.
4. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce!
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
6. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients, but make sure to sear the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Variations to Try
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few creative variations of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
- Add Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or fettuccine for a hearty seafood pasta dish.
- Use Scallops: Replace the shrimp with scallops for a luxurious twist.
- Make It Cajun: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicier, Southern-inspired version.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini slices for a plant-based alternative.
Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tonight!
Now that you’ve got all the steps, tips, and variations, it’s time to try your hand at making Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This dish combines the elegance of a restaurant-quality meal with the ease of a home-cooked recipe.
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and treat yourself to a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort!
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Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A Simple Yet Luxurious Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. Juicy shrimp are coated in a velvety, lemon-infused cream sauce with garlic and Old Bay seasoning, making this dish a restaurant-quality experience that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 ½ lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- ½ cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat the butter in a large stainless-steel skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to soften.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting the wine reduce by half.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream and broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces by about half.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the dish and stir gently.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, alongside cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Shrimp Tips: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, or thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American