Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan

Looking for a restaurant-quality shrimp recipe that you can whip up at home in just minutes? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers and makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or elegant date-night meal. Best of all, it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, meaning you can have a gourmet meal on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-Style Flavor – Creamy, cheesy, garlicky perfection.
• Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, or low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Both kids and adults will love it.
• High-Protein Meal – Packed with lean shrimp and healthy fats.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Shrimp (1 lb / 500 g): The star of the dish; choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For searing shrimp to a golden finish.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Provides that signature aromatic flavor.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Used to deglaze the pan and build flavor.
• Reduced-Fat Cream (1½ cups): Creates a lighter but still indulgent creamy base.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Thickens and enriches the sauce.
• Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds freshness and color for the perfect finish.

Tips and Tricks

• Use large shrimp (jumbo or extra-large) for the best texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp – they only need 1–2 minutes per side.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you like a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the shrimp back.

Variations and Customizations

• Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Herb Upgrade: Swap parsley with basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Extra Garlicky: Roast garlic before adding for a milder, sweeter taste.
• Pasta Swap: Serve over linguine, penne, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Pairing Suggestions

This creamy shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty French bread
• A crisp garden salad
• Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when frozen.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

3. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or seafood stock works great.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet so the shrimp cook evenly.