Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic sauce, complemented by Parmesan, offers a restaurant-quality taste.
- Customizable: Adjust the richness by choosing between heavy cream, light cream, or evaporated milk.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, tails on or off
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1½ cups reduced-fat cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Add Cream: Reduce heat to low-medium and stir in the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken breast pieces for a different take.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or thyme to enhance the herbal notes.
- Spice Level: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth instead of white wine for an alcohol-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Fresh, wild-caught shrimp are ideal for the best flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp can also be used.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s recommended to use raw shrimp for this recipe to avoid overcooking.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Coconut cream can be used, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be used as substitutes, keeping in mind they have distinct flavors.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer to reduce, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions.
What’s a good side dish to serve with this?
Steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad pairs well with this creamy shrimp dish.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use fresh cream and avoid boiling the sauce; gentle simmering is key.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free. Ensure that any accompaniments, like pasta, are also gluten-free if needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is a versatile and indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan in a creamy sauce, perfectly complementing tender shrimp. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is a quick and indulgent recipe that pairs tender shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, tails on or off
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1½ cups reduced-fat cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in wine or broth, scraping browned bits. Reduce liquid by half.
- Add Cream: Stir in cream and simmer on low-medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add Parmesan, stirring until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to the skillet, coat with sauce, and garnish with parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream (note the flavor variation).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
