When the enticing aroma of garlic mingles with the zesty brightness of lemon fills the kitchen, you know you’re in for a culinary treat. Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp delivers a rich, flavorful dish that comes together in about 15 minutes. The key to its success is the luscious sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp, providing a delightful balance of creaminess and tang.
This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone seeking a quick yet elegant meal. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days before adding the shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy sauce clings perfectly to each shrimp, resulting in a satisfying texture.
- It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a hassle-free option.
- The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious dish:
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp (31-40 count size), thawed and peeled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp flour
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice plus zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Consider using low-fat cream as a lighter alternative.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Shrimp: use chicken for a different protein.
- Heavy cream: substitute with half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano works well too.
- Fresh parsley: dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.
1. Prepare the shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cool water if frozen and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove tails if preferred.
2. Melt the butter
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
3. Create a roux
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Sauté the garlic
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add sauce ingredients
Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes.
6. Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust heat to prevent over-thickening.
7. Finish the dish
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
How to Store It
Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: no, the cream sauce won’t freeze well.
Reheat: warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of jarred.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take 5 minutes.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little pasta water if serving over noodles.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with linguine or your favorite pasta for a filling meal.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Present with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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