Introduction
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Parmesan recipe is the answer! With tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, this dish is both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this irresistible meal in no time!
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor and Satisfaction
This dish is rich and comforting, with a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors. The Parmesan adds a nutty depth, while the shrimp remain tender and succulent, making this a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Ease of Preparation
Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With a cook time of just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatility
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is versatile enough to suit a variety of occasions. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a quick family dinner. Plus, it can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan:
- Calories: 400-450 per serving
- Fat: 30-35 grams, primarily from the cream and butter
- Protein: 25-30 grams, making this dish a great source of protein
- Carbs: 4-6 grams, making it suitable for low-carb diets
Adjusting for Your Goals
To make the dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a richer version, add extra Parmesan or a bit more butter.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves provide the primary flavor base
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce
- Heavy cream: The key to a luscious, smooth sauce
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, for a nutty, savory finish
Flavor Boosters
Enhance the dish with these additional ingredients:
- White wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness
- Fresh parsley: For a burst of color and freshness
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your dish with these optional ingredients:
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for added nutrients and color
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and texture
- Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by preparing your shrimp. If you’re using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for a more elegant presentation, or removing them for easier eating. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Sautéing the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine, if using, and cook for an additional minute to let the alcohol evaporate. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or more cream.
Combining Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring them into the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re adding spinach, stir it in during this step and cook until just wilted. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When selecting shrimp, fresh is best, but high-quality frozen shrimp can also be used. Look for large or jumbo shrimp, which are meaty and perfect for this dish. Wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor and texture compared to farm-raised varieties.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
The key to a perfect creamy sauce is balance. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not so thick that it becomes clumpy. If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, thin it with a little more cream or broth.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, plate the shrimp first and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Version
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Low-Carb Option
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or simply alongside steamed vegetables. This keeps the meal light while still enjoying the rich flavors.
Dairy-Free Alternative
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Parmesan Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes521
kcalCreamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan recipe is a deliciously easy Shrimp Recipe! Coated in a rustic and buttery sauce, ready in less than 10 minutes!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound shrimp (tails on or off)
1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups reduced fat cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
2 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Season the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the wine or broth: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
- Add the cream: Stir in the reduced fat cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- *Utilize a great quality dry white wine such as a pinot griot or chardonnay.
White wine can moreover be substituted for chicken broth or cleared out out totally. The enhance in the sauce will be altered.
*I utilize decreased fat cream (or light cream) for this formula. Substitute with half and half if you wish, being cautious not to bring the sauce to a bubble or it may sour. You can moreover utilize vanished drain as a moo calorie substitution.
*Heavy or thickened cream may too be utilized and will not require thickening with cornstarch. Permit cream to diminish in a tender stew until thickened to your enjoying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and chewy. To avoid this, cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat.
Splitting the Sauce
To prevent the sauce from splitting or curdling, make sure to stir continuously when adding the cream and Parmesan. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, and avoid boiling the sauce, which can cause it to separate.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients
Given the simplicity of this recipe, the quality of your ingredients will make a big difference. Use fresh shrimp, high-quality butter, and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results. Fresh garlic and herbs also enhance the dish’s flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Proper Storage Techniques
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to three days. To freeze, transfer the shrimp and sauce to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to two months.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. The microwave can work, but reheating in a skillet over low heat is preferable to maintain the texture and flavor. Add a splash of cream or broth to the skillet to keep the sauce smooth as it reheats.
Conclusion
creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan recipe is a dish that combines the luxurious richness of a garlic Parmesan sauce with the tender, succulent flavor of shrimp. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, yet simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special dish to serve guests, this recipe is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and enjoy a delicious, decadent meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
