Name: Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 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; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This elegant Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp combines succulent seafood with a rich, tangy sauce that's ready in just 20 minutes. The bright lemon flavor balances perfectly with the savory Parmesan and garlic, creating a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation for many reasons. It's incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The luxurious sauce tastes indulgent but requires minimal ingredients and effort. It's versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Plus, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing, with the brightness of lemon cutting through the creamy Parmesan sauce. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just elevating your dinner game, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp serves as the star protein in this dish, offering a delicate sweetness and firm texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time, and remember that larger shrimp work best as they won't overcook as quickly.

Olive oil and butter create the flavorful base for sautéing. The oil prevents the butter from burning while the butter adds richness and that distinctive nutty flavor when it browns slightly with the shrimp.

Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, though pre-minced will work in a pinch.

Heavy cream forms the luxurious base of the sauce. Its high fat content ensures a silky texture that won't break when combined with the acidic lemon juice.

Chicken broth adds savory depth to the sauce while keeping it from becoming too thick or rich. It creates a more balanced sauce with layers of flavor.

Parmesan cheese contributes nutty, salty complexity that deepens as it melts into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.

Lemon juice and zest bring essential brightness to cut through the richness of the cream and cheese. The juice adds tang while the zest contributes concentrated citrus oils that perfume the entire dish.

Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning. The amount needed will depend partly on how salty your Parmesan cheese is, so taste as you go.

Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that complements the rich flavors.

Directions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat with the sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings at approximately 350 calories per serving. It's remarkably quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time for a total of 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Pasta Perfection: Toss the finished shrimp and sauce with 8 ounces of cooked fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair pasta for a complete meal.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a pleasant heat that complements the creamy sauce.

Herbal Enhancement: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill along with the parsley for additional layers of flavor.

Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, asparagus tips, or cherry tomatoes in the final minute of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan to create a dairy-free version.

Chicken Alternative: Replace shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast for a different protein option.

Storage/Reheating

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the sauce is freshly made. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When reheating, it's important to do so gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery. The best method is to warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

Freezing this dish is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing and the texture of the shrimp will deteriorate. For best results, plan to consume any leftovers within the 2-day refrigeration window.

If you anticipate having leftovers, another option is to reserve some of the sauce separately and only cook the amount of shrimp you need for immediate consumption. Then, fresh shrimp can be cooked and added to the reheated sauce for subsequent meals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well in this recipe. Thaw them completely before cooking, either overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water if you're short on time. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the hot pan to ensure proper searing.

How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from gray and translucent to pink and opaque. They also curl into a loose "C" shape. If they curl into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked. They typically need just 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Clean and devein the shrimp, prepare the garlic, and measure out other ingredients. The actual cooking should be done just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. For a lighter meal, serve over zucchini noodles or with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Avoid using milk as it may curdle when combined with lemon juice. Evaporated milk can work as a middle-ground option.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor, pre-grated cheese will work in a pinch. Avoid the shelf-stable varieties in the green containers, as they contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute. For more depth, you could use seafood stock, which complements the shrimp beautifully.

Why did my sauce curdle?

Curdling typically happens when acid (lemon juice) is added to hot dairy too quickly or when the mixture is boiled. Prevent this by ensuring your cream is at room temperature and adding lemon juice gradually while keeping the heat moderate.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, this recipe is not spicy at all. It's creamy with bright lemon notes and savory garlic and Parmesan flavors. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste if you prefer some heat.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with additional olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp recipe exemplifies how a few quality ingredients can transform into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort. The balance of rich creaminess, bright lemon, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a dish that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether served over pasta for a hearty dinner or alongside a salad for a lighter option, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. Its quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the elegant flavors make it equally suitable for entertaining guests. Master this dish, and you'll have a reliable, impressive recipe that can be adapted to suit various occasions and preferences, proving that exceptional cooking doesn't always require complicated techniques or extensive time commitments.