When I think about comfort food that doesn’t take all night, this creamy garlic shrimp always comes to mind. It’s rich, indulgent, and still quick enough for weeknights. You know those evenings when you crave something special but the idea of cooking feels like climbing a mountain? Yeah, this recipe saves the day. Shrimp recipes usually promise flavor, but this one delivers in every bite. Juicy shrimp soak up the garlicky cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy kick, and basil adds that bright, fresh note we love. It’s got all the makings of a Grilled Shrimp Dinner without firing up the grill, which makes it one of my favorite easy shrimp dinner recipes. If you’ve ever searched for shrimp salad recipes easy, or poked around for healthy shrimp recipes that don’t taste like ‘diet food,’ this one checks all the boxes. I even think of it as a cousin to a creamy Tuscan salmon recipe, which means you can swap the protein if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, it’s a dish that makes you want to lick the pan clean—don’t worry, I won’t judge.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil
4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil
5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil
6) Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is rich yet quick enough for weeknights.
The shrimp are cooked in garlic, cream, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
You can pair it with pasta, rice, or warm bread to soak up the sauce.
It works well as part of grilled shrimp recipes if you want a twist on presentation.

2) Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Sometimes dinner feels like an uphill climb. You walk in the door, you’re hungry, and you don’t want to wrestle with complicated steps. This dish meets you halfway. It gives you comfort and flavor without asking for an entire evening of your time.

The shrimp cook quickly and soak in garlic cream sauce. The sun dried tomatoes add depth with a tangy flavor, while basil brightens each bite. It’s a combination that feels simple but tastes layered and full. It also makes a natural addition if you’re building out a list of shrimp recipes for easy nights.

What I like most is how versatile it is. You can make it the centerpiece of a grilled shrimp dinner with pasta or serve it with a light salad. No matter how you plate it, it works as one of those easy shrimp dinner recipes that feel satisfying without being heavy.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cook quickly and carry the flavors of the sauce. They remain tender and juicy when cooked just until pink.

Butter: Butter forms the base of the sauce and adds richness. It also helps the garlic release its aroma in the skillet.

Olive Oil: Olive oil balances the butter and prevents it from burning. It adds a subtle fruitiness that ties the sauce together.

Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, provides a bold flavor that lingers through every bite. It’s the heart of the sauce.

Sun Dried Tomatoes: These bring a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness. Their chewy texture also adds variety to the dish.

Heavy Cream: Cream makes the sauce smooth and luscious. It wraps the shrimp in a blanket of flavor.

Chicken Broth: Broth adds body to the sauce and keeps it from becoming too heavy. It also deepens the savory notes.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese thickens the sauce and adds nutty saltiness. It’s the final touch that makes the sauce cling beautifully.

Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that ties the dish to its Italian roots. It keeps the flavor balanced and familiar.

Fresh Basil: Basil adds brightness and freshness at the end. It keeps the sauce lively and fragrant.

4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Step 1. Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil together. Let them melt until they shimmer. Place the shrimp in the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just pink on both sides. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Step 2. In the same skillet, add garlic. Let it cook until fragrant, about half a minute. Stir in chopped sun dried tomatoes. Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Let it bubble gently while you stir.

Step 3. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Watch the sauce thicken slightly. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them so they’re coated in the sauce. Let everything mingle together for a minute or two.

Step 4. Sprinkle basil over the top. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread. You’ll notice how the sauce clings to everything. This is what makes it special compared to most shrimp salad recipes easy.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Don’t overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and firm, not rubbery. Cooking them first and setting them aside gives you more control.

Choose sun dried tomatoes packed in oil if possible. They carry a softer texture and blend into the sauce. If using dry ones, soak them in warm water before adding.

Freshly grated Parmesan makes a difference. Pre shredded versions don’t melt as smoothly. The extra minute of grating pays off in taste.

This meal works beautifully as part of healthy shrimp recipes if you balance it with a light side salad. It gives you flavor without weighing you down.

6) Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil Ahead of Time

If you want to prep ahead, cook the sauce and shrimp separately. Store them in containers. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce, add the shrimp, and toss them together. This way, the shrimp won’t overcook.

You can even double the sauce and save half for later. It pairs well with chicken or works as a creamy Tuscan salmon recipe if you like variety. That means one cooking session, two different meals.

Plan to add the basil just before serving. Fresh herbs lose their brightness when reheated. Keep them aside and sprinkle when the dish hits the table.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Leftovers go in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often so the sauce stays smooth.

If the sauce feels too thick after chilling, splash in a little broth or cream. It brings back the silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you can since it can toughen the shrimp.

For longer storage, freeze only the sauce. Shrimp doesn’t freeze well once cooked. Freshly cooked shrimp with reheated sauce tastes much better.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil