If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright citrusy flavors wrapped in a luxuriously smooth sauce, let me introduce you to the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe. This delightful meal brings together succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, tangy lemon and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s wonderfully quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to seafood dishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy, zesty, and savory balance that makes this dish so irresistible. From the fresh shrimp to the tangy lemon zest, you’ll notice how every element harmonizes beautifully in the final plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, offering tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps in searing the shrimp to a perfect golden-pink.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates a silky texture and deepens the flavor when combined with olive oil.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a punch of warm, aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The key for that creamy mouthfeel that coats the shrimp with lusciousness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Brings a subtle savory base to the sauce and helps balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, umami-rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce deliciously.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Sprinkles a refreshing zing that brightens up the entire dish.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds an intense lemon aroma and flavor burst without extra acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the tastes into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A splash of vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous note to finish.
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. This combo ensures a beautifully crisp outside and juicy inside for the shrimp. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn perfectly pink and opaque. Then, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky fragrance. This brief step infuses the sauce with deep flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it come to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate its flavors slightly, creating a savory base that perfectly complements the cream and cheese.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens just a bit and the cheese fully melts into that smooth, velvety consistency you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce. Allow everything to cook together for 1 to 2 more minutes so the shrimp warms through again, soaking up those delicious tangy, cheesy flavors.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste, which will enhance every nuance of flavor. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb fragrance that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley goes a long way to brighten the dish visually and add a hint of herbal freshness. You can also add a few thin lemon slices on top for an elegant presentation and extra lemony aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe pairs perfectly with simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic buttered green beans, or a fresh mixed green salad. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes, crusty garlic bread, or a bed of fluffy rice soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shrimp over a nest of linguine or fettuccine to turn it into a pasta masterpiece. Or try it atop a crisp bed of arugula salad for a lighter but still indulgent option. For a fun twist, spoon the shrimp and sauce into warm, toasted baguette halves to make elegant, savory open-faced sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce, but be aware that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe on low heat either in a skillet or microwave, stirring gently to renew that creamy texture while preventing the shrimp from overcooking and becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of cream while warming can help revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, then pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water, which can dilute the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You could try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Is this recipe spicy at all?
No, the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is mild and tangy. Feel free to add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a little heat.
Can this dish be turned into a pasta recipe?
Yes! Toss the finished creamy shrimp with your favorite cooked pasta for a delicious and quick pasta dinner.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Cook shrimp until they turn from translucent gray to pink and become opaque, usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make shrimp tough.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both comforting and a little fancy at the same time. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but impressive enough for guests, and that winning combo makes it a staple in my kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will brighten your dinner table and win hearts fast!
Print
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and delicious creamy lemon Parmesan shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a velvety sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 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 oil and butter: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot, preparing the pan for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat well with the creamy lemon Parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Season and garnish: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice amount based on your preferred level of tanginess.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
