Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent seafood dishes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. With tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish combines elegance and comfort in a way that feels restaurant-worthy yet can be made at home with ease. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extra delicious.

Whether served over pasta, with rice, or accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce, this garlic-Parmesan shrimp dish is a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp

1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Begin by cleaning the shrimp. Peel off the shells and remove the tails if desired. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp and remove the black vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the cleaned shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). This seasoning adds flavor to the shrimp and helps them brown nicely when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

1. Heat a Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to warm up. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and wait until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough to cook the shrimp.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden on the edges. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp left in the skillet for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if cooked too long.
3. Deglaze the Pan with Wine: If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet and stir. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich flavor. If you’re not using wine, simply skip this step and move on to adding the cream.
4. Add the Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to combine it with the butter and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or chicken broth.
6. Season the Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as necessary to suit your preferences.

Step 4: Combine the Shrimp with the Sauce

1. Return the Shrimp to the Skillet: Once the Parmesan cream sauce is ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
2. Simmer and Combine: Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The shrimp should be heated through but not overcooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the creamy garlic shrimp for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
2. Serve with Lemon Wedges: For a bright and zesty finish, serve lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan

1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Spinach:

Add fresh spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and color. Simply stir in a few handfuls of spinach during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt slightly before serving.

2. Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes:

For a burst of tangy sweetness, add chopped sundried tomatoes to the sauce. They pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan and garlic, offering a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

3. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp:

If you prefer a lighter, citrusy version, increase the amount of lemon juice in the sauce. Add lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice during the final stages of cooking for a bright and tangy dish.

4. Garlic Shrimp Alfredo:

Serve the garlic shrimp with Parmesan over your favorite pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) for a creamy shrimp Alfredo. You can also double the amount of cream and cheese to create a richer, more luxurious sauce that clings to the pasta.

5. Creamy Cajun Shrimp:

Spice up your garlic shrimp by adding a Cajun seasoning blend to the shrimp and sauce. This will give the dish a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan

1. Use Fresh Shrimp:

Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:

Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so aim for just-cooked, tender shrimp.

3. Grate Your Own Parmesan:

For the best texture and flavor, grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from a block. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts into the sauce.

4. Balance the Creaminess:

If the sauce feels too rich, balance it out with a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes. These additions can help cut through the richness and add complexity to the dish.

5. Pair with the Right Sides:

Serve this dish with light, simple sides like steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted asparagus to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan

1. Pasta: Toss the creamy garlic shrimp with your favorite pasta for a delicious and comforting shrimp Alfredo. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well, as their shapes allow the sauce to cling perfectly.
2. Rice: For a gluten-free option, serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful.
3. Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty French bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that adds a bit of texture to the meal.
4. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the creamy shrimp over zucchini noodles (zoodles). This is a great way to enjoy the rich sauce while keeping the meal light and healthy.
5. Cauliflower Rice: Another low-carb alternative is cauliflower rice, which adds a subtle, nutty flavor to the dish while keeping the focus on the creamy shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. To thaw, place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a few minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Creamy garlic shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and add the cooked shrimp.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that using lower-fat dairy may result in a thinner sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I use different types of seafood?

Absolutely! This creamy sauce pairs well with other types of seafood such as scallops, crab, or lobster. Just adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you choose.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy textures that can elevate any dining experience. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with different ingredients and served in various ways, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, hosting friends for dinner, or just wanting a satisfying meal, this creamy shrimp dish is sure to impress.

So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to culinary heaven. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan Recipe

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If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent seafood dishes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. With tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish combines elegance and comfort in a way that feels restaurant-worthy yet can be made at home with ease. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extra delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

3. Add Cheese and Seasonings:

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

5. Serve:

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

• Shrimp Options: Use any size shrimp you prefer, but larger shrimp provide a nice presentation. You can also use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are thawed before cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the shrimp over gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free meal.
• Make Ahead: The creamy garlic shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the shrimp just before serving.