Garlic Shrimp: 15-Minute Creamy Delight for Dinner

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Garlic Shrimp has become a staple in my kitchen, offering a quick and delicious way to enjoy seafood. This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is prepared with crispy bacon and juicy shrimp, smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce with lemon. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or as a delightful appetizer for gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its bold flavors and quick preparation time. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Ready in just 15 minutes, making it an easy garlic shrimp dish.
Features the rich flavors of garlic and bacon, a combination that’s hard to resist.
Perfectly paired with pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
Can be made spicy by adding red pepper flakes for a spicy garlic shrimp recipe.
Great as a garlic shrimp appetizer or served in tacos.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp

Gather these items:

4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced)
3 tablespoons butter
1½ pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
squeeze of lemon juice
chopped fresh parsley (for serving)
lemon slices (for serving)

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the bacon. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon to the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until desired crispness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the shrimp. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the shrimp and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until just cooked through and pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the sauce. Add chicken broth to the hot skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Add cheese. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Lower the heat to a steady simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until creamy and thickened.
Step 5: Put it all together. Return the bacon and shrimp to the skillet and let them simmer for a minute, or just until heated through. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
Step 6: Finish and serve. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp; stir and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon slices.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp

Keep these in mind:

Using fresh garlic will enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque.
This dish can also be made using garlic butter shrimp for a richer flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Shrimp

There are many delicious ways to enjoy this dish:

Serve over garlic shrimp pasta for a hearty meal.
Pair with a side of garlic shrimp and rice for a complete dinner.
Use in garlic shrimp tacos for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Shrimp

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp again. This makes for a great meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Shrimp

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Shrimp?

The secret lies in cooking the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. For a flavorful twist, consider trying a garlic shrimp stir-fry as an alternative cooking method.

Can I make Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?

While you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead, it’s best to serve them fresh to maintain their texture. However, for meal prep, consider making garlic shrimp skewers that can be grilled and stored.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Shrimp?

Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp and not seasoning adequately. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning. For an added kick, experiment with the best garlic shrimp marinade for additional flavor.

Variations of Garlic Shrimp You Can Try

Feel free to customize your dish!

Try a garlic grilled shrimp version for a smoky flavor.
For a healthier option, use less cream or substitute with coconut milk for a healthy garlic shrimp recipe.
Add vegetables to make a garlic shrimp stir-fry for a complete meal.

Garlic Shrimp: 15-Minute Creamy Delight for Dinner - Garlic Shrimp - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Garlic Crab Stuffed dish or try the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken for a delightful twist on flavors!

Garlic Shrimp: 15-Minute Creamy Delight for Dinner - Garlic Shrimp - additional detail

Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp with a side of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta for a complete meal experience!