Creamy Garlic Prawns are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy prawns with a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. This recipe isn’t just your average seafood dish—it’s a game-changer. With a few simple tricks and pantry staples, you’ll create a sauce so irresistible you’ll be tempted to lick the plate clean.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for guests, this dish will always deliver.

So, let’s dive in and bring some restaurant-quality magic to your table!

What You Need for Creamy Garlic Prawns

Creating this dish is all about using the right ingredients to achieve that rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked prawns. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

Key Ingredients

Optional Additions

These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s packed with flavor, while the prawns remain tender and juicy. Remember, the key to this recipe is using fresh, high-quality components to ensure the best results!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Prawns

Mastering creamy garlic prawns is all about timing and layering flavors. Each step plays a crucial role in delivering a perfectly balanced dish that tastes like it came straight from a fine dining restaurant. Let’s break it down in more detail:

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns

Start by prepping your prawns. Combine peeled prawns, freshly minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the prawns are evenly coated.

Let them marinate for about 20 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse its flavor into the tender prawn flesh. This step is quick but essential—it builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Remember: Avoid adding salt during marination as it can draw out moisture and make the prawns less juicy. Add the salt just before cooking for the best texture.

If you’re short on time, even a 10-minute marinade can make a noticeable difference in taste. While the prawns are marinating, you can prep your other ingredients, like grating the parmesan and chopping parsley.

Step 2: Sear the Prawns

Heat a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, add the marinated prawns in a single layer.

Sear the prawns for about 1 minute on each side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden around the edges. Avoid overcooking at this stage—they’ll finish cooking later when you return them to the sauce.

Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding, as this can steam the prawns instead of giving them that light, golden sear.

Once cooked, transfer the prawns to a plate and set aside. This step locks in their flavor and ensures they remain juicy.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze the Pan

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

The goal here is to release the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn, as burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.

Next, deglaze the pan by pouring in a splash of white wine (or extra chicken stock if you’re skipping the wine).

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—these are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.

Let the wine simmer for a minute or two until it reduces by about half and the sharp, alcohol aroma is gone.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Once the pan is deglazed, add the chicken or vegetable stock to the skillet. Let it simmer on medium heat until it reduces slightly, concentrating its flavor.

This is a key step in creating a sauce that tastes rich and complex.

Slowly pour in the cream, stirring as you go. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken naturally.

This should take about 2–3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce for another minute or two. 

Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Now, it’s time to elevate the flavor. Add freshly grated parmesan and stir until it melts into the sauce. The parmesan not only adds a nutty, savory depth but also helps thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked prawns to the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy garlic sauce. Allow them to warm through for about 1–2 minutes.

This step is just to reheat the prawns and meld their flavor with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long.

Once everything is perfectly coated and heated, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. The parsley cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding balance to the dish.

By following these steps, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy.

Each bite delivers tender, juicy prawns wrapped in a sauce so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate. 

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Prawns

One of the best things about creamy garlic prawns is their versatility—you can pair them with a variety of sides to create a complete, satisfying meal. The rich, garlicky sauce deserves a worthy companion to soak up every last drop. Here are some perfect pairings to try:

1. Mashed Potatoes

There’s no better match for creamy garlic prawns than a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. The smooth, fluffy texture of the potatoes absorbs the sauce beautifully, giving you a satisfying bite every time. If you want to switch it up, try creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and savory combination.

2. Rice

Steamed rice is a simple and classic choice. White rice works perfectly to balance the richness of the sauce, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. For something more flavorful, consider serving the prawns over seasoned rice, such as garlic butter rice or herbed pilaf.

3. Pasta

If you’re a pasta lover, this dish is perfect over a bowl of al dente noodles. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne are excellent choices. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, making every forkful a burst of flavor. For this option, you can even toss the pasta directly in the sauce for a creamy garlic prawn pasta dish.

4. Cauliflower Mash (Low-Carb Option)

For a healthier, low-carb alternative, creamy cauliflower mash is an excellent option. It has a similar texture to mashed potatoes but keeps the meal lighter and lower in calories. You’ll be amazed at how well it complements the rich sauce.

5. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Sometimes, you just need bread to mop up all that incredible sauce. A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are perfect for this. If you don’t have yeast on hand, try making a quick no-yeast sandwich bread—it’s easy, quick, and still delivers that satisfying texture.

6. Fresh Greens

Balance the richness of the prawns with a simple side salad. Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, like a lemon or balsamic dressing. You can also add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. The fresh, crisp texture of the salad adds contrast to the creamy dish.

7. Vegetable Sides

Roasted or steamed vegetables are another great pairing. Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans work wonderfully, adding color and a touch of crunch to the plate. You can even toss the vegetables lightly in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for added flavor.

8. Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash

For a gluten-free or low-carb option, serve your creamy garlic prawns over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash. These options soak up the sauce without the heaviness of traditional pasta or potatoes.

When serving creamy garlic prawns, the goal is to complement the rich sauce while adding variety and texture to the meal.

With these side ideas, you can customize your plate to suit any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Prawns

The secret to making restaurant-quality creamy garlic prawns lies in the ingredients. Each one adds depth, texture, and flavor to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Garlic-Marinated Prawns:

For Cooking the Prawns:

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Optional Add-Ins:

Kitchen Notes:

These ingredients come together harmoniously to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let me know if this section works or if you’d like changes before moving on!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered how to make Creamy Garlic Prawns, a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting. With its tender, juicy prawns and rich, garlicky sauce, this recipe is perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to special occasions.

Pair it with your favorite sides—like creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread—to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

What makes this dish so special is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, like using coconut cream for a dairy-free version or swapping prawns for chicken or scallops. And with these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results every single time.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, enjoy the compliments, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experience—leave a comment or tag us on social media. We’d love to see your delicious creations!

Creamy Garlic Prawns Recipe FAQs