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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Featured in Seafood.

Threw together this creamy shrimp dish for family and they thought it was takeout. Comes together in 25 minutes, and the sauce is unbelievably rich. Use fresh shrimp, it matters. Sun-dried tomatoes bring so much flavor. Wilting the spinach is super easy. Served with pasta but rice is amazing too. It’s perfect when you wanna impress without lots of effort. And don’t skimp on the garlic.
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Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:06:03 GMT
Close view of shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce with parsley garnish. Pin it
Close view of shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce with parsley garnish. | tasteofmoms.com

In my kitchen, this zesty Mediterranean prawn dish stands out when I need something impressive with minimal effort. The mix is downright indulgent - garlicky butter blended with parmesan, oil-packed tomatoes and garden-fresh spinach. I'm crazy about how the juicy prawns soak in these bold tastes. And guess what? You'll have this fancy-restaurant meal ready in just 15 minutes flat.

What Makes This My Favorite

The smell that fills my house whenever I whip this up is absolutely mouth-watering. You get this silky sauce and the prawns turn out just right - tender with that perfect pink color. I first threw this together when pressed for time on weeknights, but now it's what I cook when guests visit. They always want more.

Your Shopping List

I've played around with this dish for years and here's what really makes it pop:

  • Fresh baby spinach that softens just right
  • Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra punch
  • Loads of freshly minced garlic
  • Wild caught prawns for that sweet taste
  • Genuine salted butter don't go with anything else
  • Half and half to create that smooth texture
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
A creamy dish featuring shrimp garnished with herbs, served in a bowl with fresh tomatoes in the background. Pin it
A creamy dish featuring shrimp garnished with herbs, served in a bowl with fresh tomatoes in the background. | tasteofmoms.com

Simple Cooking Steps

Brown Those Prawns
First things first, grab some paper towels and dry your prawns thoroughly for better browning.
Get Flavor Going
Take your largest pan, drop in butter and cook up all that garlic.
Add Tomato Punch
Once you can smell that gorgeous aroma, drop in the sun dried tomatoes.
Create Your Cream Base
Add the half and half, let it simmer a bit, then mix in parmesan until everything's smooth as silk.
Finish It Off
Toss in prawns and cook until they turn pink, then mix in spinach just until it starts to wilt. Time to eat!

Perfect Pairings

We can't get enough of this spooned over steaming pasta to catch all that sauce. Sometimes I'll grab a loaf of crispy garlic bread for mopping up every last drop. When I'm going lighter, I'll put it on some plain steamed rice or add a tangy lemon salad on the side.

A creamy dish featuring shrimp and greens cooked in a rich sauce. Pin it
A creamy dish featuring shrimp and greens cooked in a rich sauce. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best side to serve this with?
It’s great with pasta, rice, or even veggies. For pasta, toss everything together and add a splash of pasta water for creamy perfection.
→ Is frozen shrimp okay to use?
Totally fine, but make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking. Cook until they’re pink and done.
→ Can I swap out half-and-half?
You can use light cream with some milk, or go for all light cream or heavy cream. It’ll affect how rich it turns out.
→ How can I make the sauce thicker?
Stir in a cornstarch and water mix while it simmers. Keep going until it reaches the thick texture you like.
→ Do I have to use wine for this?
Nope! It adds flavor, but you can skip it or use chicken broth instead and still get a great result.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy shrimp topped with spinach and tomatoes in a garlic butter sauce. A fast dinner idea that's done in 20 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound uncooked shrimp.
02 3 cups baby spinach leaves.
03 1 small onion, chopped up.
04 6 minced garlic cloves.
05 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
06 2 tablespoons butter, split.
07 1 tablespoon olive oil (your choice of type).
08 5 ounces drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil.
09 1 3/4 cups of half-and-half cream.
10 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasonings.
11 2/3 cup grated fresh parmesan.
12 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
13 1 teaspoon cornstarch blended with water.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt the butter and heat oil on medium-high. Flip the shrimp once, cooking 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink.

Step 02

Start with the onion—cook until it softens. Toss in the garlic and stir for 60 seconds. Add wine (optional) and let it cook down a bit.

Step 03

Pour in the cream after the wine. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, some salt, and a little pepper. Keep it on a low simmer.

Step 04

Toss in spinach and parmesan cheese. Mix in the cornstarch if you want it thicker. Return the shrimp to the pan.

Notes

  1. For best results, mix some pasta cooking water into the sauce, then serve everything together.
  2. If you prefer lighter options, replace half-and-half with a mix of milk and light cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish.
  • Includes dairy ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 426
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 35 g