If you love seafood that is bursting with flavor, rich textures, and a hint of zesty brightness, this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances succulent shrimp with a luscious, velvety sauce made from fresh lemon, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers deliciousness with every bite and will quickly become one of your favorites to prepare and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is simple, yet it’s these essential components that make the dish sing. Each element plays a vital role: the shrimp offers tender seafood goodness, the lemon adds a refreshing zing, and Parmesan brings that irresistible savory depth. Olive oil and butter create the perfect cooking base, while garlic and cream build the sauce’s signature richness.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sear the shrimp beautifully.
- Butter: Creates a silky base that enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream: Provides luxurious thickness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Chicken broth: A subtle savory liquid that balances the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds intense umami and creamy texture.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with lively citrus notes.
- Lemon zest: Enhances lemon flavor without overpowering the palate.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate every component.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh green garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination ensures a lovely golden sear and adds depth of flavor. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. The garlic will become fragrant without burning, releasing a wonderful aroma that builds the foundation of the sauce. This step is key to layering delicious flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth to Concentrate Taste
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating its savory notes. This reduction helps balance the richness of the cream and Parmesan that follow.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Lemon Sauce
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. These ingredients combine to form the sauce’s signature creamy and tangy character. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just a bit — thick enough to cling to the shrimp but still silky smooth.
Step 5: Finish By Tossing the Shrimp in the Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the luscious sauce. Let them heat through for 1 to 2 minutes so all the flavors meld together perfectly. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a pop of green color and a touch of herbal freshness that complements the creamy, tangy sauce beautifully. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few lemon twists to make your presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think buttery garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy angel hair pasta, or even a crisp green salad to keep things light. Rice pilaf or crusty bread also work well to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or alongside roasted asparagus for a low-carb option. You can also plate the shrimp in individual shallow bowls for a charming, restaurant-style experience at home, perfect for impressing guests or making a weeknight dinner feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will absorb more of the sauce, making it even tastier when reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but the texture of the shrimp might change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze it, do so without the fresh parsley and reheat carefully to preserve the sauce’s creaminess. Use within one month for best taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the shrimp to toughen.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
Is this dish very lemony?
The lemon flavor brightens the dish but is balanced by the creamy Parmesan sauce, resulting in a gentle tang that enhances rather than overwhelms the shrimp.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and texture in the sauce. Pre-grated can be used in a pinch, but it might not melt as smoothly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How long does it take to make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe?
From start to finish, this dish takes about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick yet impressive meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of preparing and savoring this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe. It brings together the perfect balance of fresh, bright, and indulgent flavors that feel both satisfying and special. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a solo dinner, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp recipe features tender shrimp cooked in a luscious, tangy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon. Perfectly balanced with garlic and herbs, it’s a quick and elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat fat: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Add broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly for more concentrated flavor.
- Make sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat them thoroughly with the sauce, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but sauce may be less creamy.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to personalize the tanginess level.
- To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking which makes them rubbery.
