Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

The irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic and succulent shrimp will fill your kitchen when preparing this delectable Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan. This restaurant-quality dish combines tender shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this 20-minute wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp and create a silky, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan recipe stands out as a true crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons. First, the contrasting textures create a sensory delight – tender, succulent shrimp against the silky, rich parmesan cream sauce offers the perfect balance in each bite. The dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without hours of preparation.

The flavor profile is simply irresistible. Aromatic garlic infuses the creamy sauce with depth, while the parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the naturally sweet shrimp. Unlike restaurant versions that can be overly heavy, this recipe uses reduced-fat cream for a lighter touch without sacrificing richness.

Perhaps most appealing is its versatility – serve it over pasta for a classic presentation, alongside crusty bread for dipping, or atop rice or vegetables for a complete meal. This adaptable garlic shrimp recipe works equally well as an elegant dinner party main course or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients List for the Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

These carefully selected ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors in this dish. The combination of fresh garlic and parmesan creates the signature flavor profile, while the reduced-fat cream provides richness without excessive heaviness.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp (tails on or off)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup dry chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups reduced fat cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan relies on a few key techniques. First, avoid overcooking the shrimp – they should be sautéed just until they turn pink and opaque, which takes only 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, completely changing the dish’s texture.

For the most flavorful sauce, be sure to deglaze the pan properly with the chicken broth after cooking the garlic. This step releases all the caramelized bits from cooking the shrimp, which contain concentrated flavor that enriches the entire sauce. Take your time with this step to ensure you capture all those browned bits.

Finally, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded versions. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and give the sauce a grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan not only melts beautifully but provides a far superior flavor that makes this garlic Parmesan sauce truly exceptional.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat oil a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, until just cooked through and pink. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.

Step 2: Melt the butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the broth; allow to reduce to half while scraping any bits off of the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 4: Add the parmesan cheese and allow sauce to gently simmer for a further minute or so until the cheese melts and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the shrimp back into the pan, sprinkle with parsley. Taste test sauce and adjust salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 6: Serve over pasta, rice or steamed veg.

Variations

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan is its adaptability to different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, creating a delicious garlic shrimp pasta with a kick. The heat beautifully complements the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.

For a lighter option, substitute the reduced-fat cream with full-fat coconut milk. This creates a dairy-free alternative that maintains the sauce’s silky texture while adding a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the garlic and shrimp.

Looking for extra vegetables? Transform this into a complete one-pan meal by adding 2 cups of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes when returning the shrimp to the pan. The vegetables will wilt into the hot sauce, adding color, nutrients, and fresh flavor to this versatile Parmesan garlic shrimp dish.

Storage and Serving

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shrimp to become tough.

For a classic serving suggestion, ladle this creamy garlic shrimp over al dente linguine or fettuccine pasta. The pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for capturing the rich, flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve over zucchini noodles or with a side of steamed asparagus and crusty bread for dipping.

For an impressive presentation, place the shrimp and sauce over creamy polenta or risotto, creating an elevated dinner that’s perfect for special occasions. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of this decadent garlic shrimp dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

What can I substitute for the reduced-fat cream?
If you don’t have reduced-fat cream, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or half-and-half for a lighter option. Coconut cream is an excellent dairy-free alternative that maintains the sauce’s creamy texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp separately up to 24 hours ahead. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, then add the shrimp just long enough to warm through before serving.

What’s the best pasta to serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
Fettuccine, linguine, and angel hair pasta all work beautifully with this dish. Their flat surfaces provide ample area for the creamy sauce to cling to. For a healthier option, try whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce needs thickening, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Alternatively, add a few extra tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan, which will both thicken and enhance the flavor of your garlic Parmesan sauce.

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