Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the rich aroma of garlic wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy Mediterranean bistro. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan—an irresistible dinner recipe that brings together the succulent taste of shrimp and a velvety sauce that’s simply hard to resist. This dish not only delivers mouthwatering flavors but also boasts a quick prep time of just 35 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special. Plus, it’s protein-rich and incredibly adaptable; whether you’re serving it over pasta or alongside a fresh salad, it’s bound to impress. What’s your go-to dish that makes you feel like a culinary star? Why Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp? Simplicity at its Finest: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Decadent Yet Quick: Prepare a gourmet meal in just 35 minutes—ideal for busy weekdays! Protein-Packed Delight: Shrimp offers a healthy dose of protein, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing. Versatility in Serving: Pair it with buttery linguine or jasmine rice for a delicious feast, or serve it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Impress your family or guests with this restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent but is easy to recreate at home! For more delightful recipes, check out my Garlic Butter Shrimp or explore the vibrant flavors of my Creamy Coconut Shrimp Thai. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients • Let’s gather everything you need to create this mouthwatering Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan! For the Shrimp Shrimp – Use fresh, large shrimp for the best tender texture. Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel that enhances the sauce. Olive Oil – Perfect for searing; it elevates the dish’s flavor profile. For the Flavor Base Garlic – The star ingredient provides aromatic depth and essential flavor. Dry White Wine – Adds acidity to balance richness; substitute with broth for a non-alcoholic option. For the Creamy Sauce Heavy Cream – Creates that signature creamy base; coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative. Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated for a richer umami flavor and better melting. For Brightness and Heat Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish, balancing the rich flavors. Red-Pepper Flakes (optional) – Adjust according to your spice preference for a subtle heat. For Garnish Fresh Parsley – Introduces color and fresh flavor to make your dish pop! With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a delightful dinner that will surely impress! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Begin by patting dry 1 pound of fresh large shrimp, ensuring they are moisture-free for excellent searing. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of optional red-pepper flakes to taste. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare your skillet. Step 2: Sear the Shrimp In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Deglaze the Pan Lower the heat to medium and add ½ cup of dry white wine to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will take about 2 minutes as the wine reduces by half, creating a flavorful base for your sauce that perfectly complements the creamy garlic shrimp with Parmesan. Step 4: Build the Sauce Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté them for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—do not let them burn. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a luscious, creamy consistency. Step 5: Add Cheese Whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. This step adds that rich umami flavor that makes the creamy garlic shrimp with Parmesan irresistible. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and taste, adding more salt and pepper if necessary for your desired flavor. Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Serve Return the seared shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them gently in the creamy sauce for about 1 minute to ensure they are heated through. To finish, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a splash of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful harmony of flavors in your creamy garlic shrimp! Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Variations Feel free to indulge your creativity with these flavorful spins on a classic dish, and watch as your kitchen transforms into a culinary haven! Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with scallops or crab for a luxurious twist. Each option brings a unique flavor that will delight your taste buds. Broth Exchange: Swap white wine for chicken or vegetable broth for a similar depth without the alcohol. Adding broth retains the dish’s luscious appeal while making it more family-friendly. Low-Carb Delight: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. This not only cuts carbs but also adds a nutritious touch. Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the sauce for a rich, smoky flavor. This subtle change elevates the dish, giving it a delightful twist. Dairy-Free Alternative: For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture while keeping it plant-based. Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for an aromatic boost. These herbs brighten the flavors, giving your dish a fresh garden appeal. Extra Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition. This not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also packs in extra vitamins! Heat Up: Increase the red-pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a spicier kick. Adjust according to your flame tolerance to create the perfect heat balance. Explore these mouthwatering variations to keep your dinner experiences exciting! You may also enjoy my delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves as another tasty way to treat your family. How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the creamy garlic shrimp fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Gently reheat on low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture before serving again. Thawing: To maintain the quality, thaw frozen creamy garlic shrimp overnight in the fridge before reheating. What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan? Experience a delightful culinary journey as you create the perfect meal to pair with this rich, creamy dish. Buttery Linguine: The silky noodles soak up the luscious sauce, making each bite a heavenly combination of flavors. Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, this rice provides a neutral base that complements the rich shrimp dish without overshadowing it. Simple Arugula Salad: Tossed in lemon vinaigrette, the peppery greens add freshness and balance to the creamy shrimp, brightening your plate. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, this classic side invites you to soak up every drop of delectable sauce left behind. Zucchini Noodles: A fantastic low-carb alternative, these noodles retain a slightly crunchy texture, making your meal lighter yet satisfying. Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay enhances the meal, its crisp acidity working beautifully to balance the dish’s richness. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate, providing a zesty end to your delicious dinner. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the shrimp by seasoning them (up to 24 hours in advance) and storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce can also be made ahead; simply cook it, let it cool completely, and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain its rich quality, reheat the sauce gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it smooth before mixing in the seared shrimp. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine, heat through for a minute, and garnish with fresh parsley for a dish that tastes just as delectable as if you made it fresh! Expert Tips for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Dry the Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve that perfect sear without steaming. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than the desired golden exterior. Fresh Cheese Matters: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and a richer flavor, enhancing your creamy garlic shrimp experience. Watch the Garlic: Sauté garlic until just fragrant—burnt garlic can turn bitter, ruining the delicate balance of flavors. Gentle Reheating: When reheating, do so gently. Add a splash of broth to maintain the creaminess of your sauce. Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right shrimp? Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for fresh, large ones with a firm texture and a mild sea scent. Avoid those with dark spots or a strong fishy smell, as these may indicate spoilage. I recommend keeping an eye out for shrimp labeled “wild-caught” for better flavor and sustainability. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan? Absolutely! To freeze, portion the shrimp into airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? Don’t worry! If you find that the sauce becomes too thick after cooking, simply stir in a little extra heavy cream or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. By doing this, you’ll create a velvety sauce that perfectly envelops your shrimp! Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies? For sure! While the original recipe contains heavy cream and Parmesan, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and omitting the cheese in favor of nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor. It maintains the dish’s creamy texture while being friendlier to lactose intolerant diets. How long does the garlic need to cook to avoid bitterness? Excellent question! When sauting garlic, aim for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close watch, as garlic can quickly turn bitter if left too long. If you notice it starting to brown too much, reduce the heat immediately to prevent ruining your delightful sauce! Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan: Your New Favorite Dinner✨ Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is an irresistible dish combining shrimp and a velvety sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Shrimp1 pound fresh large shrimp Use fresh for the best texture.2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds rich flavor.2 tablespoons olive oil Perfect for searing.For the Flavor Base4 cloves garlic Minced, star ingredient for flavor.½ cup dry white wine Adds acidity; substitute with broth if desired.For the Creamy Sauce1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy base.1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for better melting.For Brightness and Heat1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances the richness.to taste red-pepper flakes Optional; for a bit of heat.For Garnishto taste fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish. Equipment Large Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPat dry 1 pound of fresh large shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red-pepper flakes. Let sit for 5 minutes.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes each side until golden, then remove from skillet.Lower heat, add ½ cup of dry white wine, scraping up browned bits for 2 minutes.Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds, then add 1 cup of heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes.Whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season to taste.Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently in the sauce for 1 minute. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 29gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure shrimp are dry before cooking for perfect sear. Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and melting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
