This 15-minute creamy garlic shrimp with crusty bread is a weeknight hero—fast, flavorful, and indulgent without the fuss. Succulent shrimp simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce and served with golden bread for scooping. No pasta, no side dish needed—just a skillet and a loaf of crusty sourdough.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
It all started on a Sunday night. I had a bag of shrimp, half a loaf of leftover sourdough, and exactly 20 minutes before “hangry” kicked in. I’d already used garlic to save dinner in dishes like our creamy garlic parmesan chicken with potatoes, so I figured—why not shrimp?
One skillet, a splash of cream, and a handful of garlic cloves later, this 15-minute creamy garlic shrimp with crusty bread became a staple. It was rich, buttery, and restaurant-worthy. We’ve since served it as an appetizer, a date night meal, and even for brunch with eggs on the side.
Like our 5-ingredient honey garlic chicken, this recipe is proof that garlic, butter, and protein make magic together.
What Makes It So Good (And So Fast)
Shrimp: The Weeknight Protein MVP
Shrimp cooks in minutes, making it perfect for nights when you need real food fast. Just sauté in garlic butter, add cream, and finish with lemon and parsley. That’s it.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Butter & olive oil
- Fresh parsley, lemon, and red pepper flakes (for kick)
One pan, zero stress. You’ll get creamy, garlicky shrimp in under 15 minutes, just like our ultra creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti—but way faster.
Sauce That’s Meant for Dipping
Let’s be honest. The sauce is the star. It’s rich and garlicky, but light enough that it doesn’t coat your mouth. And when you’ve got creamy ranch chicken in your back pocket, you know how to make a sauce that clings without clumping.
Make sure to serve it with crusty bread—baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough—to soak up every last drop.
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15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Crusty Bread
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This 15-minute creamy garlic shrimp is rich, buttery, and perfect with crusty bread for dipping. A quick skillet meal for weeknights or date night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream, Parmesan (if using), and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Add spinach or tomatoes for variety. Best eaten fresh, not frozen.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: 15-minute creamy garlic shrimp, shrimp skillet dinner, garlic butter shrimp, shrimp and bread
Variations, Pairings, and Storage Tips
Variations & Serving Ideas
Here’s how to make this recipe your own:
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for a splash of color
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free twist
- Swap shrimp for scallops or cooked chicken
- Stir in cooked pasta or spoon over creamy polenta
Serve with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Steamed rice or buttered noodles
- A crisp green salad on the side
If you love quick comfort food like our creamy garlic parmesan chicken, you’ll appreciate how fast and flavorful this shrimp dinner is.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Storage:
- Fridge: Keep leftovers in a covered container for up to 2 days
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces and shrimp don’t freeze well)
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat; don’t boil or shrimp will get rubbery
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Mince garlic and prep shrimp ahead
- You can even mix the sauce base in the morning, store it in the fridge, and toss it into the pan after work
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a good middle ground.
What’s the best bread for dipping?
Sourdough or crusty French baguette work best. Toast it lightly before serving.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter.
Does the sauce thicken as it sits?
Slightly. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it when reheating.