If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, look no further than this creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan recipe. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy sauce that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making this dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Not only is it easy to make, but it also allows for plenty of customization—substitute your favorite vegetables or add spices to elevate the flavors even more. Whether served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, this creamy garlic shrimp is a delightful addition to any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen both work well.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced versions to enhance the flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor; avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Cream: Heavy cream is preferred for its richness; you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness of the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the creaminess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp are thawed if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter followed by minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in one cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for three minutes. Then add heavy cream and stir continuously until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese
Add half a cup of grated parmesan cheese into the sauce while stirring until it melts smoothly. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and mix well until heated through.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and herbs before cooking
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Cook them up to two days ahead, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat before serving to save time.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, use glass containers to preserve flavor and texture.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking. You may add a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
One of the most common mistakes when preparing creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within just a few minutes. If you cook them too long, they can turn rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. To avoid this, sauté the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Always keep an eye on them during cooking to ensure they reach that perfect tender texture without going beyond it.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for making delicious creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan. Fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese will elevate your dish significantly. Dried garlic will not provide the same aromatic flavor profile that fresh garlic does. Similarly, pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability and taste. Always opt for freshly grated parmesan from a block for richer flavor and creamier texture in your sauce.
Balance Flavor Profiles
When making creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan, balancing flavors is essential to create a harmonious dish. Adding too much salt or cheese can overwhelm the other flavors, while not enough seasoning can leave it bland. Start by seasoning lightly and taste as you go; you can always add more salt or cheese gradually. Additionally, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors and create a delightful contrast against the richness of the cream and cheese.
Perfect Your Sauce Consistency
The consistency of your sauce is key to a successful creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan dish. A sauce that’s too thick can mask the shrimp’s natural flavor, while one that’s too thin may not cling well to the pasta or rice you serve it with. To achieve that creamy consistency, let your sauce simmer gently after adding cream and parmesan until it thickens slightly. If it’s too thick, whisk in some reserved pasta water or broth to adjust it to your desired creaminess without compromising flavor.
FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan?
When selecting shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan, look for large or jumbo-sized shrimp, ideally those labeled as “fresh” or “wild-caught.” These types generally have better texture and flavor compared to smaller varieties or farmed shrimp. Ensure that they are peeled and deveined for convenience. You can also buy frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking to achieve optimal results.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream in creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan if you’re looking for lighter alternatives. Options include half-and-half, whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickness, or even plant-based creams if you want a dairy-free version. However, remember that these substitutions may alter the overall richness of your dish slightly.
How do I store leftovers of creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan?
To store any leftovers from creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan, place them in an airtight container in your refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for best quality and safety. Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or in a microwave; however, be cautious not to overheat as this may cause the shrimp to become tough.
Can I make creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can prepare elements ahead of time. Cooked pasta can be stored separately from the sauce in an airtight container until service time. If needed, reheat each component separately before combining them again right before serving to maintain quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting the perfect creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan involves avoiding common pitfalls such as overcooking shrimp and using stale ingredients. Focus on achieving balanced flavors by adjusting seasonings throughout cooking and ensuring your sauce maintains an ideal consistency that complements both pasta and rice dishes beautifully. Store any leftovers properly and consider preparing components ahead of time for easier meal planning without sacrificing taste. Following these suggestions will help you create a sumptuous dish that impresses friends and family alike!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
- Author: Cecilia
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is a quick and indulgent dish that transforms any dinner into a gourmet experience. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic cream sauce, generously enhanced with freshly grated parmesan cheese. This versatile recipe allows for customization—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Serve it over pasta, alongside rice, or with crusty bread to savor every drop of the velvety sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this creamy garlic shrimp dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Large peeled and deveined shrimp
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and pat shrimp dry if frozen.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat; sauté shrimp until pink (about 2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
- Pour in chicken broth; simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream.
- Add grated parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper until melted.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, drizzle in lemon juice, mix well, and heat through before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate shrimp in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version.- Pair with fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.