Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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If you’re in the mood for a quick, indulgent dinner that’s both rich and comforting, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is where it’s at! Imagine juicy shrimp smothered in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, with a burst of Parmesan cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and savor every last bit. The creamy texture paired with the zesty garlic and the savory cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day or whipping up something special for a family dinner, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. You’ll be amazed by how quickly this comes together, and how it transforms simple shrimp into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Flavor-Packed

This dish is bursting with flavor from the rich cream, garlicky goodness, and sharp Parmesan. If you love savory, rich sauces, you’re going to be obsessed with this.

Quick and Easy

It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish! So, if you’re short on time but craving something special, this is the perfect solution.

Versatile

While it’s fantastic on its own, you can serve it with pasta, over rice, or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal. It’s easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.

Comforting Yet Light

You get the comforting richness of the creamy sauce, but the shrimp keep the dish light and fresh, making it feel indulgent without weighing you down.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish:

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for this dish.
Butter: The foundation of the sauce, giving it that silky richness.

Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic provides that irresistible savory base.
Heavy Cream: Adds that luxurious, creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor. The Parmesan adds the perfect sharpness and depth to the sauce.

Chicken Broth: Adds a bit of liquid to help create the sauce without making it too heavy.
Salt & Pepper: To season the shrimp and sauce to perfection.
Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness to balance out the richness.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into making this luscious dish!

Cook the Shrimp:

Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Create the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Combine and Serve:

Add the Shrimp Back In: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the shrimp to soak up some of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving suggestions:

Pasta: Serve this creamy shrimp over a bed of pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, to soak up all that sauce.

Rice: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over a plate of fluffy white rice or seasoned rice for a hearty, filling meal.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli would be excellent veggie companions to balance out the richness of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to dip into the creamy sauce. You can’t go wrong with a little extra garlic bread!

Additional Tips

Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier sauce, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of half-and-half.
Add Heat: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a zesty kick.
Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a shrimp fan, this sauce also works great with chicken breast or even scallops.

Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but note that the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry to ensure they sear properly.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: This dish is best served fresh, as the shrimp may become tough if stored for too long. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it, adding the shrimp just before serving.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A3: Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes would be a fantastic addition to the creamy garlic sauce.

Q4: Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

A4: You can use Pecorino Romano or even Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile, but Parmesan gives this dish its signature taste.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

A5: Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Q6: Can I double this recipe?

A6: Yes, simply double the ingredients, and make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra shrimp and sauce.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?

A8: Add more Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering for an extra kick.

Q9: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

A9: Yes! You can swap the shrimp for chicken breast, scallops, or even a mix of both for a delicious variation.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?

A10: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a total winner—flavorful, easy to make, and utterly delicious. The creamy sauce is the perfect companion to the tender shrimp, and it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weeknight or serving it to guests, this recipe will definitely earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Trust me, you’ll be craving this one again and again!