Irresistibly Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent shrimp dance with creamy parmesan in a culinary embrace that promises instant delight.

Coastal flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a dish that whispers luxury without complexity.

Mediterranean influences weave through each tender morsel, inviting passionate cooks to explore.

Butter and garlic form a luxurious backdrop for these delectable sea jewels.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can craft this extraordinary meal at home with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dinner that impresses without intimidation.

Seafood lovers will find this recipe irresistibly smooth and packed with rich, comforting notes.

Dive into this magical combination and let your kitchen become a gourmet playground.

Building Blocks for Creamy Parmesan Shrimp

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that is the star of the dish, best when fresh and deveined.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the shrimp's natural flavor.
• Salt: Brings out the shrimp's natural taste and balances the overall seasoning.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty taste that complements the shrimp.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and helps build depth in the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish that adds color and bright flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides a fresh, citrusy contrast to the rich sauce.

Shrimp with Parmesan Cream Sauce Method

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the shrimp to enhance their natural flavor.

Make sure each shrimp is evenly seasoned for a delicious taste.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp

Heat half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned shrimp in the pan and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Remove the cooked shrimp and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour white wine into the skillet and allow it to simmer.

Let the liquid reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich foundation for the sauce.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine and Warm

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently nestling them in the creamy sauce.

Warm everything together, ensuring the shrimp are heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Place the shrimp and sauce over cooked pasta or rice.

Finish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch.

Seafood Tips for Creamy Parmesan Shrimp

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're plump and have a mild sea-fresh scent.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood that loses its delicate taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for personalized kick.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the recipe's rich depth of flavor.
• Use room temperature cream and cheese to help them blend smoothly and prevent potential separation during cooking.

Parmesan Shrimp Reheating Help

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery, so stovetop reheating maintains the best texture and flavor.
• For optimal taste and safety, eat refrigerated shrimp within 1-2 days and always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Wine and Veggies That Go With Parmesan Shrimp

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich sauce and highlight the delicate shrimp flavor. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness while enhancing the dish's seafood notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter to soak up the luxurious parmesan cream sauce. The bread's crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the creamy main dish. The salad's bright, zesty elements will refresh the palate between bites of the decadent shrimp.
• Recommend Herbed Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with herbs to serve alongside the shrimp. The vegetables' caramelized edges and herbal notes will harmonize beautifully with the creamy parmesan sauce.

Parmesan Shrimp Creamy Styles

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly option that reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that still provides a creamy, tangy profile for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that brings Louisiana-style heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based seafood alternatives, using the same cooking method and creamy sauce to create a protein-rich vegetarian meal with similar texture and taste.

FAQs

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal, as it adds a crisp flavor without overpowering the shrimp and creates a perfect balance in the sauce.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.

• How can I tell if the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and may become tough and rubbery.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

Parmesan Shrimp That’s Creamy and Easy to Serve

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this creamy Parmesan shrimp dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Gourmet Flavor, Simple Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Enjoy this recipe as an elegant dinner party centerpiece or a comforting family meal, easily adaptable to serve over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
• Flavor-Packed Protein Boost: Combine succulent shrimp with rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger and delivers incredible taste in every single bite.

Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan shrimp brings coastal Italian elegance to dinner tables with minimal effort. Succulent seafood meets rich cheese in a quick, luxurious dish that delights you with Mediterranean flavors and sophisticated simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste

Cooking Base and Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, divided (0.5 stick or 4 tablespoons)
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) diced yellow onion
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.67 cup (160 milliliters) dry white wine
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish and Serving:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Cooked pasta or rice for serving

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the raw shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.
2. Heat half the butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a golden, shimmering surface.
3. Carefully place seasoned shrimp into the skillet, cooking until they transform to a vibrant pink color with slight caramelization, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, melt remaining butter and introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Sauté the aromatics until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate flavors.
6. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce by approximately half, concentrating the liquid’s essence.
7. Gently whisk heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce.
8. Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the rich, velvety sauce and warming through.
9. Plate the shrimp over a bed of steaming pasta or fluffy rice, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and bright lemon wedges for a final flourish.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for richer, more complex flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the cream sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 270mg