Name: Creamy Garlic Prawns
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Comfort / International
Ingredients: 12–16 oz prawns (peeled and deveined — fresh or thawed from frozen); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup heavy cream (or thickened cream); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness); Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Garlic Prawns are a luxurious yet quick dish where juicy, tender prawns are coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe comes together in minutes and always feels like something special. I love serving it over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and impressive this dish is — it tastes like something I’d order at a fancy restaurant, but I can make it in under 30 minutes in my own kitchen. The garlic and cream make the perfect pair, with the prawns adding a sweet, briny bite that ties it all together. It’s elegant enough for a date night but simple enough for a weeknight. Creamy Garlic Prawns

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Prawns, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed from frozen)
Garlic, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Heavy cream (or thickened cream)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt
Black pepper
Lemon juice (for brightness)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions

I pat the prawns dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
I add the prawns and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. I remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, I add more butter if needed and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
I reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the cream, stirring to combine. I let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
I stir in a handful of grated Parmesan, if using, and a squeeze of lemon juice. I taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
I return the prawns to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. I cook for another minute to warm them through.
I garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 as a main dish or 4 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach for color and extra flavor. For a deeper flavor, I use a splash of white wine before adding the cream. If I want to lighten it up, I swap some of the cream for milk or use a bit of Greek yogurt at the end.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat. I avoid microwaving, as the prawns can overcook and turn rubbery. This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the cream sauce. Creamy Garlic Prawns

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?

Yes, I use shrimp often. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. The cook time stays the same.

Can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and a plant-based butter. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to serve creamy garlic prawns?

I love serving them over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even toasted baguette slices to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer making it fresh, as the prawns cook quickly and can become tough if reheated too much. I do prep the sauce ingredients ahead to save time.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but I add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when I want a little kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Prawns are a fast, flavorful dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. The garlic cream sauce is rich and comforting, the prawns are tender and juicy, and the whole dish is ready in no time. Whether I’m cooking to impress or just treating myself, this is a recipe I keep coming back to.