Creamy Garlic Prawns are a quick and indulgent seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Juicy, pan-seared prawns are simmered in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop. This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and will quickly become a household favorite.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small brown onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use chicken stock)

• 1 cup thickened cream (or heavy cream)

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add prawns and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté garlic and onion until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).

3. Deglaze the pan with white wine (or stock), scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Stir in the cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

5. Return prawns to the pan and coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Sugar: 1g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sodium: 540mg

• Cholesterol: 195mg

• Calcium: 130mg

• Iron: 1.5mg

• Vitamin A: 900 IU

• Vitamin C: 6mg

A Dish That Balances Elegance and Ease

Despite its luxurious flavor profile, this dish comes together with remarkable simplicity. All it takes is a few staple ingredients and a single skillet to build deep flavor in a short time. The process of searing the prawns, creating a base from garlic, butter, and onion, and enriching it with cream and parmesan results in a decadent sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours. Yet the entire meal is ready in less time than it takes to boil a pot of pasta—proof that gourmet meals can also be weeknight-friendly.

Prawns: The Star of the Show

At the heart of this recipe are juicy, tender prawns. When pan-seared until just pink and slightly golden, they provide the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce. Prawns are naturally sweet and briny, and their firm texture allows them to absorb flavor without falling apart. They cook quickly and pair wonderfully with bold ingredients like garlic, butter, and white wine. Choosing fresh or high-quality frozen prawns will make a big difference, ensuring each bite is juicy and full of flavor.

The Power of Garlic and Butter

The combination of garlic and butter forms the aromatic foundation of this dish. Garlic’s pungent warmth mellows as it sautés in butter, infusing the entire dish with a depth of flavor that is both bold and comforting. The butter adds richness and silkiness to the sauce, complementing the natural umami of the prawns and the sharpness of the parmesan. This classic pairing is what gives the dish its signature indulgence, making it both satisfying and memorable.

Cream and Parmesan for the Perfect Sauce

The creamy sauce is what transforms this from a simple prawn stir-fry into something special. Thickened cream or heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats each prawn perfectly. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce further. When simmered together, these ingredients create a silky blend that clings to pasta, rice, or bread beautifully. The cream sauce is rich, but balanced with brightness from the wine or broth and a hint of acidity that keeps it from feeling overly heavy.

White Wine or Stock: A Flavor Enhancer

Deglazing the pan with dry white wine introduces acidity and complexity to the dish. It lifts the flavor from the garlic and onions and balances the richness of the cream. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, chicken stock works beautifully to provide a savory depth and keep the flavor profile well-rounded. Either option brings a subtle layer of umami that takes the sauce from simple to spectacular.

Versatile Pairings to Complete the Meal

Creamy garlic prawns are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. They pair effortlessly with pasta—especially fettuccine or linguine—for a classic Italian-style meal. Served over fluffy rice, they become a hearty, comfort-food favorite with a coastal twist. If you’re keeping things low-carb or looking for something lighter, try pairing them with sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad. Crusty bread is another popular accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Perfect for Entertaining or Everyday Dinners

This dish is equally at home as the star of a romantic date-night dinner or as a quick weeknight go-to. The presentation is always impressive, with golden prawns bathed in a creamy white sauce, flecked with parsley and served hot from the pan. It can be made ahead and gently reheated, or scaled up to serve a larger crowd with ease. Because the flavors are universally loved and the cooking process is straightforward, it’s one of those rare dishes that strikes the perfect balance between easy and elegant.

A Crowd-Pleaser with Gourmet Appeal

Creamy garlic prawns appeal to a wide range of palates. They’re rich without being overwhelming, garlicky without being sharp, and indulgent without feeling too heavy. The addition of parmesan and herbs gives the dish a touch of refinement, while the creamy sauce ensures every bite feels satisfying. It’s a surefire hit for both adventurous eaters and those who prefer classic comfort food. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place as a seafood staple in kitchens everywhere.

Customizations and Dietary Adaptations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for a variety of dietary needs. To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can substitute for the thickened cream, and nutritional yeast can take the place of parmesan, maintaining the creamy texture while changing the flavor profile slightly. Adding vegetables like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can add bulk and color, while chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor further.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Prawns Every Time

To ensure your prawns stay juicy, avoid overcooking them. They only need a few minutes per side—just until they’re pink and slightly golden. Be sure to remove them from the pan before making the sauce, then return them only at the end to avoid drying them out. When making the sauce, let it simmer gently—boiling can cause the cream to break or reduce too quickly. Finally, season to taste and finish with fresh herbs for color and freshness.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Prawns are the ultimate blend of convenience and indulgence. With their rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked prawns, they deliver bold flavor in every bite without requiring hours in the kitchen. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create a gourmet meal at home. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or spooned onto a bed of rice, these prawns offer the kind of luxurious experience that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Fast, flavorful, and unforgettable, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again.