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Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

This creamy garlic shrimp recipe is a quick and easy dish bursting with rich garlic flavor and a luscious, velvety cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners, it pairs tender shrimp with a savory, indulgent sauce that can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Ready in under 20 minutes, it combines simple pantry staples to deliver a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 lb medium or large peeled and deveined shrimp

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure the shrimp sear properly and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the freshly minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Simmer gently over low heat for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Continue to mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Finish with Shrimp and Parsley: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving to add color and a bright herbal note.

Notes

  • Dry Your Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry to get a golden crust; moisture prevents proper searing.
  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers richer flavor.
  • Simmer, Don’t Boil: Let the cream sauce thicken on low heat to avoid curdling or scorching.
  • Lemon Juice Last: Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition

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