If you are craving something that feels both indulgent and quick to prepare, Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish is a celebration of juicy, tender shrimp bathed in a lusciously creamy sauce brightened by fresh garlic and the sharp, nutty kick of Parmesan cheese. Perfectly balanced with just the right touch of white wine and herbs, it’s an elegant yet effortless dish that you can whip up in minutes to impress your family or friends without fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction that will make it a household favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, creamy, and flavorful experience that defines Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe. From the fragrant garlic to the silky cream and sharp Parmesan, you’ll see how their combination elevates this dish to delicious heights.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds a delicate fruity undertone and helps sauté the shrimp perfectly without sticking.
- 1 pound Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp offer the ideal texture and size for this dish, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste to keep the dish balanced.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a subtle peppery warmth that complements the creaminess.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and depth, crucial for that smooth, silky sauce.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic gives the dish its aromatic punch and essential flavor foundation.
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity; a great way to brighten the creamy sauce (or use chicken broth if avoiding alcohol).
- 1 cup Reduced Fat Cream: Delivers luscious creaminess without being too heavy; half-and-half or evaporated milk are good alternatives.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan introduces that irresistible sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of fresh color and herbal brightness, balancing the richness beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cook ensures the shrimp stay tender and succulent. Remove the shrimp and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step is key to infusing the sauce with that irresistible garlic flavor that every bite of this recipe depends on.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits clinging to the bottom – this is where a lot of the flavor lives! Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. If you’re skipping alcohol, chicken broth is a perfect substitute to maintain flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in the reduced fat cream and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly. This step transforms the pan juices into the signature creamy base that gives Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe its irresistible texture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese little by little until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly in the luxurious cream sauce. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a natural choice to brighten the rich sauce, but you can also add a small sprinkle of lemon zest for a zesty twist. A crack of fresh black pepper right before serving adds just the right touch of heat to complement the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that soak up the luscious sauce. Serve it over angel hair pasta, garlic bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad can add a refreshing, crunchy contrast that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a few sprigs of parsley arranged artfully. Alternatively, try it in small ramekins or over a bed of wilted spinach for an elegant, restaurant-style plate that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp can release liquid over time, so it’s best eaten fresh or reheated gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, expect some change in texture; thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating, which can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the sauce to break.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the pan, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Yes, you can substitute reduced fat cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist. The flavor will be different but still deliciously creamy.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for melting smoothly into the sauce and providing that nutty, sharp flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will add a pleasant heat that balances the richness perfectly.
What can I serve this dish with for a low-carb option?
Serving the creamy shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice keeps things light and low-carb without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
When you’re short on time but still want something that feels like a special treat, Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavors that feel indulgent yet reassures you with simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become one of your beloved go-to dishes. Give it a try and watch how this creamy shrimp dish brightens your dinner plate and mood!
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Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan: A Quick Creamy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is a quick and creamy seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, enhanced with white wine and finished with rich Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a fast, elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a luscious and comforting meal in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound Shrimp (large or jumbo, peeled and deveined)
Oils and Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or salted butter with less salt added)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 4 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced)
Liquids
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (or chicken broth as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- 1 cup Reduced Fat Cream (half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used)
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (or substitute with basil or chives)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. This ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning stick.
- Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt fully and combine with the olive oil for a rich cooking base.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aromatic flavor into the fat.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Deglaze with white wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom for extra flavor. Let the alcohol cook off slightly.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the reduced fat cream. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Finish with parsley: Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Serve: Immediately dish the garlic shrimp with Parmesan over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Top generously with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt carefully if using salted butter to avoid over-salting.
- The recipe pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, linguine, or even a bed of sautéed greens.
- For a lower fat option, substitute the cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, but expect a slightly lighter sauce.
- Cooking shrimp quickly at medium heat prevents rubbery texture and keeps them tender.
