This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe Looks Fancy—But You Can Make It in Minutes

If you’re looking for a dish that feels elegant but comes together quickly, creamy garlic shrimp is the perfect choice. It’s a refined, restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, striking the ideal balance between indulgent flavor and everyday ease.

At the center are plump shrimp, seared until tender and coated in a rich, garlic-kissed cream sauce. Shallots, dry vermouth, and tomatoes add savory depth, while a swirl of butter lends a velvety finish. The result is a luxurious sauce that’s full of flavor without feeling too heavy.

Served alongside fluffy couscous tossed with bell peppers, herbs, and a touch of butter, this dish is beautifully balanced. The couscous brings color, lightness, and a subtle crunch that plays off the creamy shrimp perfectly. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need a quick but impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers elegance, flavor, and comfort—all in under an hour.

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply elevating your everyday dinner game, creamy garlic shrimp offers comfort, elegance, and incredible taste in every forkful—without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 2 tablespoons pesto olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
• 16 fresh shrimp (U-15 per pound), peeled and deveined
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• ¼ cup dry white vermouth
• ½ cup peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sweet butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch diluted in 1 tablespoon water

For the Couscous:

• 1 cup couscous
• 2 tablespoons pesto olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet butter
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley

Step-by-Step How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the shallots and cook for 1 minute, making sure they don’t brown.
4. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the vermouth and let it reduce slightly.
6. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
9. If the sauce needs thickening, add the diluted cornstarch and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
10. Off the heat, stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.

Preparing the Couscous:

1. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced shallots and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the diced bell peppers and cook until tender.
5. Stir in the cooked couscous and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp Size Matters: Using U-15 shrimp gives you a meatier bite and elevates the dish with a gourmet touch.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp can turn rubbery quickly—just a minute or two per side is enough.
• Deglaze for Depth: A splash of vermouth deepens the sauce’s flavor; if you don’t have it, dry white wine works too.
• Fresh Is Best: Using fresh garlic, shallots, and tomatoes adds vibrancy and aroma that pre-prepped ingredients just can’t match.

Customization Ideas

• Alternative Grains: Substitute couscous with orzo, jasmine rice, or quinoa for a different spin.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it heartier and more colorful.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to bring some heat.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Basil, thyme, or fresh dill can create unique herbal notes in the cream sauce.

Creamy garlic shrimp is more than just dinner—it’s a luxurious yet approachable meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The silky cream sauce, infused with garlic, shallots, and a splash of wine, brings elegance without fuss. Each shrimp is tender and juicy, perfectly seared and coated in a rich, savory sauce that’s begging to be spooned over couscous or mopped up with crusty bread.

What makes this dish shine is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients, it manages to feel special—whether you’re cooking for guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. The technique is easy, but the result tastes like something you’d order at a fine restaurant. Served alongside buttery couscous speckled with bell peppers and herbs, it becomes a complete meal full of color and contrast. You can make it your own by adding veggies, swapping the grain, or dialing up the heat. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.