If you love seafood dishes that are rich, tangy, and utterly indulgent, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious lemony cream sauce, brightened by fresh Parmesan and a hint of garlic. This dish comes together quickly but tastes like a million bucks, making it perfect for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a special occasion. The combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors ensures every bite feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet incredibly important for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding zest, creaminess, or that satisfying cheesy note.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, these should be fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light fruitiness and perfectly helps to cook the shrimp without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For a rich depth and slight creaminess in the sauce base.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant, savory kick that wakes up the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The luxurious backbone of the sauce, making it oh-so-creamy and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory undertone and keeps the sauce light rather than too thick.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the dish its signature cheesy tang and creamy finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Infuses bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fresh aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque—this quick sear locks in their juicy flavor. Then, set them aside so we can make that heavenly sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. You’ll see and smell the garlic turn golden and fragrant, which is exactly what you want. This step builds the aromatic base that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor and preparing the pan for the creamy ingredients.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. As you cook this mixture for another few minutes, you’ll watch the sauce thicken just a bit. The cheese melts, the cream enriches, and the lemon injects its tart magic—combining to create the perfect creamy lemon sauce.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return those beautifully cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in all that luscious sauce. Let everything warm together for another minute or two so the flavors marry perfectly. At this point, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp, adding a burst of color and a fresh herby note to balance the richness. And that’s it — your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is ready to wow!
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but you could also try finely chopped chives or basil for a slightly different herbal profile. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top adds a cheesy flourish that looks as good as it tastes. Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes—they make your dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with several sides that can soak up its delicious sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even a simple buttered pasta like fettuccine. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or a crisp mixed green salad provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp over toasted garlic bread for dipping or spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld delight. You could also use the shrimp as a topping on creamy polenta or spread it over warm grits to turn it into a Southern-inspired feast. Presentation is all about creativity and making the dish your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp and sauce stay fresh for up to two days, giving you perfectly flavorful meals ready to enjoy without extra fuss.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not recommended for the best texture. The shrimp can become rubbery, and the creamy sauce might separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid high heat as it can cause the cream to break and the shrimp to toughen. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the sauce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for a lighter sauce, but the creamier texture from heavy cream is hard to beat in this recipe.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Try substituting the butter with olive oil, using a dairy-free cream alternative, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas make excellent additions that add color and freshness without overpowering the creamy lemon sauce.
What can I serve this recipe with if I want a low-carb meal?
Serve the shrimp over steamed cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables to keep it low-carb and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy without any fuss. It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, ready to bring joy to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your meal rotation—you’re going to love how effortlessly impressive it is!
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Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp recipe that combines tender shrimp cooked in a luscious sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bright citrus flavor balanced with rich creaminess, served in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and butter is melted.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Then remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Make sauce: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer until desired consistency.
- This recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Peel and devein shrimp before cooking for ease and best texture.
- Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
