1. Introduction
If you love quick dinners that feel restaurant-quality, this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is about to become your new favorite. It’s rich, garlicky, buttery, and finished with a silky cream sauce—all made in a single pan. No piles of dishes, no complicated steps, and no fancy ingredients.
This recipe is a winner because it’s fast, flavor-packed, and versatile. Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels special even on a busy weeknight.
2. Ingredients (Shopping List)
For the shrimp & sauce (serves 4):
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
Tip: Use raw, tail-on shrimp for the best flavor - 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Get these ready before you start:
- Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs (helpful for flipping shrimp)
That’s it—no blender, no oven, no stress.
4. Preparation Steps (Barney Style 🟡)
- Clean the shrimp
Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. - Season the shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside. - Prep the garlic & herbs
Mince garlic and chop fresh parsley. Grate Parmesan if needed. - Measure everything out
This recipe cooks fast, so having ingredients ready helps a lot.
5. Cooking Instructions (One Pan Magic ✨)
- Heat the pan
Place skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. - Cook the shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. - Make the garlic butter base
Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic.
Sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). - Create the creamy sauce
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the pan bits.
Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and Parmesan.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. - Finish the dish
Return shrimp to the pan. Add lemon juice.
Simmer for 2 minutes, spooning sauce over shrimp. - Taste & adjust
Add more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
6. Serving Suggestions
This dish is super flexible. Try it with:
- 🍝 Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 🍚 Steamed rice or garlic rice
- 🥔 Mashed potatoes
- 🥖 Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- 🥦 Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
Garnish ideas:
Extra parsley, more Parmesan, or a light drizzle of olive oil.
7. Additional Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Dairy-free option: Swap butter with vegan butter and cream with coconut cream.
- Extra flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
- Spicy kick: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Keto-friendly: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 240 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
9. FAQ Section
Q1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q3. Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, reheat gently on low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q4. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well.
Q5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free—just double-check your broth and cheese labels.
10. Wrap-Up
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavors. It’s fast enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. One pan, minimal prep, and maximum satisfaction—that’s a win every time.
Fun fact: Shrimp cooks faster than almost any protein, which is why it’s used in so many classic quick dishes around the world—from Italian scampi to Asian stir-fries.
If you try this recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table. 💛
