Name: Creamy Garlic Prawns
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491144H20M57S
Total time: PT-491144H20M57S
Cuisine: Western / Seafood
Ingredients: 500 g raw prawns (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1–2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4–6 garlic cloves, minced; ¾ cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for a lighter sauce); ¼–⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: splash of white wine or chicken broth for extra depth

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Creamy Garlic Prawns are a rich, savory, and indulgent seafood dish that I love making when I want something quick and restaurant-worthy at home. Juicy, pan-seared prawns are coated in a silky garlic cream sauce, perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. It’s an easy recipe that feels fancy without requiring much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for how quickly it comes together and how luxurious it tastes. The prawns cook in minutes, and the garlic cream sauce is full of bold flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Whether I’m making a cozy dinner for myself or serving it to guests, it’s always a hit. The sauce is so good, I usually end up scooping up every last drop with a piece of bread. Creamy Garlic Prawns

Ingredients

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

Raw prawns (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: white wine or chicken broth for extra depth

Directions

I start by patting the prawns dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and a little butter over medium-high heat.
I sear the prawns for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, I melt the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the cream (and white wine or broth if using), then stir in the parmesan. I let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
I add lemon juice and return the prawns to the pan, coating them in the sauce and letting everything heat through.
I sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings and takes 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, for a total of 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or stir in baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. I’ve also made it with scallops or chicken when I’m out of prawns, and the sauce still works beautifully.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce needs loosening. I avoid microwaving too long to prevent the prawns from becoming rubbery. Creamy Garlic Prawns

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but I add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I want some heat.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I’ve used evaporated milk or coconut cream as alternatives. The texture changes slightly, but the flavor stays rich.

What’s the best side dish for creamy garlic prawns?

I usually serve it with rice, linguine, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How do I keep the prawns tender?

I cook them quickly—just until they turn pink—and remove them from the pan while I make the sauce to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Prawns are a luxurious yet simple dish that brings bold flavor and creamy comfort to the table in just minutes. Whether I’m treating myself to a cozy dinner or serving guests something impressive, this recipe always delivers. It’s rich, satisfying, and one of those meals that feels like a little indulgence without the hassle.