Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Cooked pasta or rice for serving When making creamy lemon garlic shrimp, you need to gather the right ingredients. Start with fresh shrimp. They should be large, peeled, and deveined. This makes them easy to cook and eat. The olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp. Unsalted butter gives a rich taste to the sauce. Garlic, minced finely, adds a lovely aroma. Next, we need heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. The lemon zest and juice provide a bright flavor. Don't forget the grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a nice salty touch. Italian seasoning brings in herbs that blend well. For seasoning, use salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley makes a great garnish, giving a pop of color. Lastly, we serve the shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. This makes a complete meal that is sure to please. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Season 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. - Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. - Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Make sure it does not burn. - Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine the ingredients. - Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. - Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until melted and creamy. - Let the sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. - Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. - Stir well to coat the shrimp in the creamy sauce. - Cook for another minute to heat the shrimp through. - Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve the creamy lemon garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor. To ensure a creamy sauce, keep a few tips in mind. Start by heating the skillet over medium heat. Once you add the heavy cream, stir gently. This helps blend the flavors well. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This adds moisture without losing flavor. Avoiding overcooking garlic is key. Cook it for only about one minute. Once it smells fragrant, add the cream. If the garlic burns, it can turn bitter. You want sweet and savory notes in your dish. Choosing the right shrimp matters. Look for large shrimp that are fresh or frozen. If frozen, buy shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and effort. Always check for a slight pink color and firm texture. For cooking times, aim for about two to three minutes per side. Watch closely as shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Pair creamy lemon garlic shrimp with pasta or rice. Both options soak up that delicious sauce. A light salad on the side adds freshness. You can also serve with garlic bread for a filling meal. For garnish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side bring extra zing. These simple touches make your dish look and taste amazing. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can result in a rubbery texture. Enhance the Sauce: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic before adding the cream. This will elevate the dish significantly. Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of pasta water or additional cream until you reach your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can switch some ingredients in creamy lemon garlic shrimp. This helps you make it your own. - Alternative dairy options: If you want a lighter dish, try using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. It adds creaminess and tang. - Using different herbs: Fresh basil or dill can replace Italian seasoning. This gives a new taste to your dish. To make this meal even more exciting, consider adding a few extra flavors. - Adding heat with red pepper flakes: If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. - Incorporating veggies: You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and nutrients to the dish. If you need a gluten-free meal, there are easy swaps you can make. - Serving with gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for gluten-free eaters. - Alternative rice options: You can serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It works well with the creamy sauce. To keep your creamy lemon garlic shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Make sure to let the shrimp cool before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact. Store it for up to three days. The best way to reheat creamy shrimp is on the stove. Heat it gently over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Avoid using a microwave, as it can dry out the shrimp. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick. You can freeze creamy lemon garlic shrimp if you want to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove as mentioned above. This keeps the shrimp tender and creamy. Making creamy lemon garlic shrimp takes about 20 minutes. You can break it down like this: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 10 minutes This quick time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just follow these tips: - Thaw the shrimp first: Place them in the fridge overnight or use cold water. - Cook them longer: Frozen shrimp may need an extra minute or two. This way, you still get that great flavor. You can serve creamy lemon garlic shrimp with many sides: - Pasta: Any kind works well, but fettuccine is a great choice. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce nicely. - Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach adds color and nutrition. These sides complete your meal and make it extra tasty! This blog post covered all you need to know about making creamy lemon garlic shrimp. We looked at the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect the dish. I shared variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers properly. Now, you can confidently create a flavorful meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and don’t hesitate to try your own twists!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with a zesty lemon and garlic flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving cooked pasta or rice

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir until they are well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve the creamy lemon garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword creamy, garlic, lemon, shrimp