Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan (20-Minute Recipe!)

Are you on the hunt for a dinner that feels incredibly elegant and impressive, yet comes together in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show? We often reserve luxurious, restaurant-quality meals for weekends or special occasions, assuming they’re too complicated for a busy weeknight. But what if you could have a stunning, decadent meal on the table in just 20 minutes, using only one pan?

This is that recipe. This Ultimate Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan is the perfect solution for any night you’re craving something special without the stress. We’re talking plump, juicy shrimp, perfectly seared and then enveloped in a luscious, velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a simple, foolproof dish that delivers a truly five-star experience with minimal effort and cleanup.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of high-impact ingredients to create a rich and flavourful sauce. Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best, most authentic restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Large Shrimp	1 lb (about 450g)	Peeled and deveined, tails on or off.
Unsalted Butter	3 tablespoons	Provides richness and flavour.
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon	Helps prevent the butter from burning.
Fresh Garlic, Minced	4−5 cloves	Fresh is best for that pungent, aromatic flavour!
Dry White Wine	1/4 cup	Such as Pinot Grigio. (Optional, can use broth).
Heavy Cream	1 cup	Essential for the velvety, luxurious texture.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth	1/4 cup	Adds depth and helps create the sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup	Freshly grated is highly recommended for a smooth melt.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Coarsely ground is best.
Kosher Salt	To taste
Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped	2 tablespoons	For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Cooked White Rice	For serving	Or pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.

Timing

This is a genuinely fast recipe, making it the perfect go-to for a busy evening or an impromptu date night at home.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Follow these simple, sequential steps to create a flawless, one-pan shrimp dinner. The magic is in building layers of flavour in the same skillet.

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Shrimp

The secret to perfectly cooked shrimp starts with a good sear. First, pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is critical for getting a beautiful golden-brown color instead of just steaming them. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and a pinch of black pepper.

Place a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the seared shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Pan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes very fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, or it will turn bitter.

If you’re using it, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits (the fond) from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which will take 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Velvety Parmesan Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Now for the most important part: reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Stir in the freshly cracked black pepper, taste the sauce, and add salt as needed.

Step 4: Combine, Garnish, and Serve

Return the seared shrimp and any of their accumulated juices back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Gently toss everything together for about one minute, just until the shrimp are warmed through and coated in that glorious sauce. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over a bed of hot, fluffy white rice, spooning plenty of extra sauce over the top.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of the creamy garlic shrimp, assuming the recipe makes 4 servings (rice not included).

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fat: 33 g (Saturated Fat: 20 g)

This dish is a fantastic source of protein and is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Healthier Alternatives and Dietary Swaps

While this dish is rich and decadent, you can easily adapt it to be a bit lighter.

• Lighter Cream Sauce: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy and delicious.
• Low-Carb Serving: To keep the meal low-carb and keto-friendly, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or alongside a generous portion of steamed asparagus or broccoli instead of rice.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, you can use a full-fat canned coconut milk in place of the heavy cream, dairy-free Parmesan, and a vegan butter or olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of delicious ways.

• Over Pasta: Toss this entire dish, sauce and all, with a pound of cooked linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta for an incredible creamy shrimp pasta dinner.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve the shrimp in a shallow bowl with a side of warm, crusty bread. The bread is the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on its own with toothpicks for a simple yet elegant party appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these simple tips to ensure your shrimp dish is restaurant-quality every time.

• Overcooked, Rubbery Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast, and overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
  • Solution: Sear the shrimp for only 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. They will not be fully cooked through, but that’s okay! They will finish cooking perfectly when you add them back to the hot sauce at the end.
• A Grainy or Oily Sauce: This is a common issue with cream sauces and is usually caused by the heat being too high when the cheese is added.
  • Solution: Always reduce your heat to the lowest setting before you add the Parmesan. Whisk it in gently until it’s just melted. Using freshly grated Parmesan (not the pre-shredded kind) is also crucial for the smoothest melt.
• Burning the Garlic: There’s a fine line between fragrant and burnt garlic.
  • Solution: Pay close attention when you add the garlic to the hot butter. As soon as you can smell its wonderful aroma (after about 30-60 seconds), it’s time to add your liquid to stop the cooking process.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are a wonderful treat, but seafood requires a gentle touch when reheating.

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat this dish is gently in a skillet over low heat until it’s just warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Be careful not to let it boil or you risk overcooking the shrimp.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe is the ultimate proof that an elegant, impressive, and wildly delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In just one pan and 20 minutes, you can create a dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight, a romantic date night in, or any time you’re craving something truly special. The combination of juicy shrimp and a velvety, rich garlic Parmesan sauce is pure comfort and luxury.

We are so excited for you to try this incredibly quick and easy recipe. Give this creamy garlic shrimp a try and let us know how much you loved it in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and elegant dinner ideas.

FAQs

Q1. Can I make this dish without the white wine?

Yes, absolutely! As the recipe notes, you can simply use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. The wine adds a lovely layer of acidic brightness, but the dish is still delicious without it.

Q2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Of course. Frozen shrimp are a great, convenient option. Just make sure they are completely thawed before you begin. The most important step is to pat them completely dry with paper towels after thawing to ensure you get a good sear.

Q3. Should I leave the tails on or off the shrimp?

This is completely up to you! Leaving the tails on can make for a slightly more elegant presentation (and gives you a little handle to hold onto!), but taking them off before cooking makes the dish a bit easier to eat with a fork.