To create this symphony of flavors, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature creamy, garlicky, buttery taste that will leave you wanting more. Let’s break down each component and discuss why they are essential for achieving the perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show! When it comes to shrimp, size matters to some extent. Large shrimp (around 21–25 count per pound) are ideal because they cook up plump and juicy, and they are substantial enough to hold their own against the rich sauce. Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined for ease of eating and a cleaner flavor. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Patting them dry is a crucial step as excess moisture can hinder browning and dilute the sauce. For the best flavor, opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced shrimp if possible.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter is the backbone of this decadent sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish completely. The butter will melt down to create a luscious base, infusing the shrimp and garlic with its rich, creamy flavor. Don’t skimp on the butter; it’s essential for that signature buttery taste that makes this dish so irresistible. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use lightly salted butter and adjust the added salt accordingly, or even a blend of unsalted butter and a touch of olive oil for a slightly lighter profile while still retaining the buttery richness.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse that elevates this dish from simple to sensational. Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here. Pre-minced garlic in jars often lacks the pungent, fresh flavor that freshly minced cloves deliver. Six cloves might seem like a lot, but garlic mellows beautifully as it cooks in butter, creating a fragrant and savory foundation for the sauce. If you are a true garlic lover, feel free to add even more! Minced garlic ensures that the garlic flavor permeates the entire dish, releasing its aromatic oils into the butter and shrimp.
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended): White wine adds a layer of complexity and acidity that balances the richness of the butter and cream. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works wonderfully. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a subtle fruity and tangy note that enhances the overall flavor profile. If you prefer to omit the wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even a squeeze of extra lemon juice to maintain a touch of acidity. The wine helps to deglaze the pan and create a more nuanced sauce, lifting the flavors and preventing the dish from being overly heavy.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream is what transforms this dish from a simple garlic butter shrimp to a creamy garlic butter shrimp. It adds richness, body, and a velvety texture to the sauce, coating the shrimp beautifully and creating that luxurious mouthfeel. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and rich. Heavy cream is the key to that decadent, spoon-licking sauce that makes this dish so comforting and indulgent.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh lemon juice is essential for brightening up the dish and adding a touch of zest. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and cream, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy and adding a refreshing element. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled juice for its brighter and more vibrant flavor. Lemon juice also helps to tenderize the shrimp slightly and complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color, freshness, and a slightly herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s best to add parsley at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor. Reserve some extra parsley for garnish to add visual appeal to the finished dish. Parsley provides a welcome contrast to the rich sauce and adds a final layer of flavor complexity.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat that enhances the flavors without making the dish overly spicy. If you enjoy a touch of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes is highly recommended. You can adjust the amount to your preference, or omit them entirely if you prefer a completely mild dish. The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes adds depth and complexity, preventing the dish from being one-dimensional.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Salt enhances the savory notes, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. Season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, tasting and adjusting as needed. Remember that shrimp and garlic can handle a good amount of seasoning. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its more aromatic and robust flavor.