Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 4-5 cloves garlic, freshly minced; 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish); Cooked white rice or pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread

Jump to Recipe·5 from 7 reviews

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor yet ready in no time, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!). This delightful recipe combines plump, succulent shrimp with a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making every bite a heavenly experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends, this dish delivers indulgence without the fuss, proving that gourmet quality can be achieved in just 20 minutes.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each playing a crucial role in building depth, creaminess, and that irresistible garlicky goodness. From the freshness of the shrimp to the richness of Parmesan, every item contributes to a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for an easy and quick cook time with tender, juicy bites.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a perfect sear on the shrimp.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, divided): Creates a silky base for the sauce that enhances richness without saltiness overpowering other flavors.
Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced): Freshly minced to infuse the dish with a punch of aromatic flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth (1/4 cup): Adds a layer of savory complexity and helps to thin out the cream for a luscious sauce texture.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Essential for delivering that silky, creamy consistency that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Brings nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
Freshly cracked black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Kosher salt (to taste): Balances and elevates all the flavors harmoniously.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Provides a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of color as garnish.
Optional to serve: Cooked white rice, pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!)

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

The secret to perfectly cooked shrimp starts with preparation. Pat your shrimp dry using paper towels to ensure every dash of moisture is gone—this helps in achieving a beautiful sear without steaming them. Lightly season with kosher salt and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness, setting them up for the delightful flavors to come.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter along with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness while the olive oil raises the smoke point, perfect for searing. Place your shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly; cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp transform quickly! Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Pan Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the freshly minced garlic and stir it constantly for 30 to 60 seconds. You’ll want to catch that lovely aroma without letting the garlic brown, as that can add bitterness. Don’t forget to scrape up those browned bits left from searing the shrimp— that’s pure flavor gold. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces by about half, concentrating the taste.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Now, stir in ¼ cup of broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. This step gently thickens the sauce and marries all the flavors. Once slightly thickened after about 3 to 4 minutes, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky smooth. Season the sauce with additional black pepper and kosher salt according to your taste to perfectly complement the creamy texture and savory notes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return your seared shrimp along with any juices released back into the pan and toss them in the sauce for about a minute to warm through. This step is essential to fully coat the shrimp and infuse them with that creamy garlicky goodness. Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor, then serve immediately over your choice of cooked white rice, pasta, zucchini noodles, or even with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!)

Garnishes

To make your dish look as irresistible as it tastes, sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and a touch of freshness. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the creamy flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over al dente pasta to create a comforting bowl or layer it on top of fluffy white rice for a casual, hearty meal. If you prefer low-carb, zucchini noodles are a vibrant and health-friendly alternative. Don’t underestimate the power of crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping into that decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, serve the shrimp in shallow rustic bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and parsley on top. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side to add a pop of color and an optional zest boost. Another fun idea is to present the shrimp on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer, turning this 20-minute recipe into a delightful party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce can thicken as it cools, so keep in mind it might need some loosening when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay but the cream sauce may separate or lose some smoothness when thawed. If you want to freeze, store shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month to preserve texture better.

Reheating

When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth, cream, or milk to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Avoid using high heat to prevent curdling and overcooked shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!)?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture in your sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but it might not be as rich or thick as when using heavy cream.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for a plant-based fat and use dairy-free cream and Parmesan alternatives. Just keep in mind the creamy texture will differ slightly.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe itself is mild and creamy, with just a hint of black pepper heat. You can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you want to kick it up a notch.

Can I double the recipe easily?

Yes! Just be sure to use a large enough skillet to sear the shrimp without crowding them and adjust cooking times slightly for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!) is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to make any night of the week. Its rich, garlicky cream sauce wraps around tender shrimp in a way that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring such comforting restaurant-quality flavors right to your own table!