Creamy Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe – Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy garlic prawns in a rich buttery garlic cream sauce, served in a skillet with fresh parsley and perfect for a quick seafood dinner.
Juicy prawns simmered in a creamy garlic butter sauce and finished with fresh herbs for a rich and comforting seafood dish.

Introduction

Prawns (or shrimp) are one of those proteins that feel instantly elegant yet cook in minutes. They’re light, tender, and versatile enough to star in everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion meals. But when paired with a luscious garlic cream sauce, they become truly irresistible. Creamy Garlic Prawns is the kind of dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, yet it’s simple enough to whip up at home in under 20 minutes. The sauce—rich with butter, cream, Parmesan, and plenty of garlic—coats each prawn beautifully, creating a silky, indulgent bite. Whether you serve it over pasta, spoon it onto rice, or mop it up with crusty bread, this recipe promises comfort and sophistication in equal measure.

What Is Creamy Garlic Prawns?

Creamy Garlic Prawns is a dish where prawns (or shrimp) are gently cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The sauce typically combines butter, cream, Parmesan, and fresh garlic, sometimes enhanced with herbs, chili flakes, or a splash of white wine. The prawns are sautéed until just pink and tender, then coated in the sauce so every bite is infused with flavor.

This recipe draws inspiration from Italian and French cream‑based seafood dishes, where garlic and cream are often paired with shellfish for luxurious results. It’s timeless because it’s quick, indulgent, and versatile—you can serve it as a main course, a starter, or even as part of a tapas spread.

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Prawns lies in its balance: the sweetness of the prawns, the richness of the cream, and the boldness of garlic all come together in harmony. It’s a dish that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are three standout reasons to love Creamy Garlic Prawns:

  • Quick prep: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Flavor-packed: Garlic, butter, cream, and herbs create a sauce that’s indulgent yet balanced.
  • Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread—it works beautifully in any setting.

It’s the kind of recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go‑to for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Ingredient Breakdown

  • Prawns/Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, deveined and peeled for convenience.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for bold flavor.
  • Cream base: Heavy cream and butter create richness; Parmesan adds depth.
  • Herbs & seasonings: Parsley for freshness, chili flakes for heat, lemon juice for brightness.
  • Optional extras: White wine for acidity, spinach or mushrooms for added texture.

Each ingredient plays a role in building a sauce that’s creamy, savory, and perfectly matched to the delicate prawns.

Step‑by‑Step Preparation

  1. Prep Prawns: Clean and devein prawns if needed. Pat dry.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Cook Prawns: Add prawns to the pan. Sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Make Sauce: Stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer gently until sauce thickens.
  5. Finish: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
  6. Serve: Plate immediately with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up the sauce.

Tip: Don’t overcook prawns—they should be tender, not rubbery.

Creamy garlic prawns in a rich buttery garlic cream sauce, served in a skillet with fresh parsley and perfect for a quick seafood dinner.

Creamy Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe – Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Creamy Garlic Prawns (Shrimp) Recipe is a quick and luxurious seafood dish packed with flavor. Tender prawns are sautéed in butter and garlic, then simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce that perfectly coats every bite. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the irresistible garlic cream sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dinner entrée, Main Course
Cuisine Italian‑French Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional extras: splash of white wine, spinach, or mushrooms

Instructions
 

  • Prep Prawns: Clean, peel, and devein prawns if needed. Pat dry.
  • Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Cook Prawns: Add prawns and sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • Make Sauce: Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and seasonings. Simmer gently until thickened.
  • Combine: Return prawns to the pan, toss to coat in sauce.
  • Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or bread.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook prawns—remove as soon as they turn pink.
  • Use fresh garlic for the boldest flavor.
  • Balance richness with lemon juice or a splash of white wine.
  • Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared in advance; add prawns just before serving.
  • Variations: Swap cream for coconut milk (dairy‑free), add spinach or mushrooms, or use scallops instead of prawns.
Keyword creamy garlic prawns, Garlic Butter Shrimp, prawn pasta recipe, quick seafood dinner, shrimp in cream sauce