Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe offers a luscious, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic and Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for everyday cooking.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp through and further thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, pairing well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- To peel and devein shrimp quickly, use kitchen shears to cut along the back and remove the vein.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce may be less thick.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or steamed vegetables.
- For gluten-free option, ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.