Creamy Butter Shrimp - An Elegant Yet Easy Dinner

This creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe comes together in one pan for a restaurant-worthy meal, minus the effort. Butter, wine and Parmesan cheese join forces to create an ultra-rich, savory sauce that takes shrimp to new levels of decadence. Keep reading for tips on making this elegant dinner for two in just 20 minutes!

What is Creamy Butter Shrimp?

Creamy butter shrimp is a classic shrimp dish that involves sautéing shrimp briefly until just cooked through, then building a rich and creamy pan sauce from the browned bits leftover in the pan. Butter, garlic, shallots or onions, white wine or broth, and Parmesan cheese are whisked together and allowed to thicken.

The result is a silky, luxurious sauce that coats each morsel of buttery shrimp. An indulgent restaurant favorite made easy at home!

Benefits of Creamy Butter Shrimp

Creamy butter shrimp offers:

• Luxurious, elegant flavor with little effort
• Easy one-pan preparation
• Quick 20 minute meal from start to finish
• Impressive dish for date nights or special occasions
• Comforting, rich sauce on a weeknight

Making an upscale seafood dinner doesn't get much simpler than this!

Shopping for Shrimp

For the best results, look for:

• Raw, shell on shrimp - for flavorful pan sauce
• Sustainably caught varieties like U.S. farmed or wild-caught
• 16-20 count size - smaller shrimp work best
• Minimally processed - no added preservatives

Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge before sautéing.

Ingredients for Creamy Butter Shrimp

You'll need just a handful of ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• White wine or chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

See the step-by-step instructions for exact measurements and preparation.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Sear the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook 1 minute more.

Make the Pan Sauce

Remove shrimp and add butter, garlic, and Parm to hot pan. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add wine and scrape up any browned bits. Let reduce by half.

Finish the Sauce

Turn heat to low and whisk in remaining butter until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss with Shrimp

Add cooked shrimp back to pan and toss to coat in sauce. Garnish with parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Buttery shrimp pairs deliciously with:

• Rice or risotto
• Pasta or egg noodles
• Crusty bread for dipping
• Sauteed vegetables like zucchini or spinach
• A simple green salad

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container up to 4 days. To reheat:

• Separate shrimp from sauce
• Warm sauce on stovetop or in microwave
• Quickly sauté or broil shrimp until warmed through

Making the Perfect Creamy Shrimp

Use these tips for success every time:

• Pat shrimp very dry so they sear vs steam
• Don't overcrowd pan - cook in batches if needed
• Let shrimp cook undisturbed to get nicely browned
• Whisk sauce constantly so cheese melts smoothly
• Remove from heat before sauce gets too thick

FAQs

What sides go well with this shrimp?

Rice, pasta, crusty bread, roasted veggies, or salad pair nicely.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw overnight in fridge first. Pat very dry before cooking.

What if I don't have white wine?

Chicken or vegetable broth make fine substitutes.

Do I need a nonstick pan?

A well-seasoned skillet or nonstick pan prevents sticking. Don't crowd pan.

Can I substitute different cheese?

Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you could try pecorino, asiago, etc.

Make Date Night Easy with Creamy Butter Shrimp

This restaurant-worthy shrimp is ready in a fraction of the time thanks to its easy one-pan preparation. Impress your date with tender garlic shrimp smothered in a rich, savory cream sauce. The ultimate elegant dinner made easy!