Ever crave something rich and satisfying but want to keep it low-carb? This creamy garlic shrimp recipe hits all the right notes – it’s decadent, quick to make, and won’t break your carb budget. Perfect for a fancy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simple But Mighty Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, that much!)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Let’s Get Cooking
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting that perfect sear. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan, laying them flat in a single layer. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink on one side. Flip them over and cook for another minute. Remove them from the pan and set aside – don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet, they’ll finish in the sauce.
Creating That Heavenly Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add your butter. Once it melts, throw in that minced garlic and let it dance in the butter for about 30 seconds – just until it becomes fragrant but not brown. Pour in your heavy cream, stirring to combine all those gorgeous flavors from the bottom of the pan.
Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Now for the best part – add your Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Bringing It All Together
Return your shrimp to the pan, nestling them into that creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is perfectly satisfying on its own, you might want to serve it over:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Spaghetti squash
Pro Tips
- Use raw shrimp rather than pre-cooked for the best texture
- Fresh garlic beats garlic powder every time in this recipe
- Don’t skip drying the shrimp – wet shrimp won’t sear properly
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – the pre-grated stuff won’t melt as smoothly
Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Try:
- Adding spinach for extra nutrients
- Throwing in some mushrooms
- Using a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese
- Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce
- Topping with fresh basil instead of parsley
Storage Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave – just be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic shrimp is proof that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s rich, creamy, and feels completely indulgent while staying keto-friendly. Plus, it comes together in about 20 minutes – faster than ordering takeout!
Remember, the key to making this dish shine is using fresh ingredients and not rushing the sauce-making process. Let those flavors develop, and you’ll be rewarded with a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!