Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Large or jumbo shrimp; Fresh garlic; Heavy cream (or half-and-half); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Unsalted butter; Low-sodium chicken broth

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan is a dish that brings the taste of gourmet dining right into your home kitchen. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and finished off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. The combination of flavors in this dish creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you choose to serve it over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan is sure to satisfy any craving.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen works well.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Provides richness; you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce; use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep the dish from becoming overly salty.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp if necessary. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about one minute.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about three minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients while allowing it to simmer for about five minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Once the sauce thickens slightly, add freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined thoroughly into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all shrimp are of similar size for consistent cooking times.
Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before serving.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Cook the shrimp until they are just pink, about 3-4 minutes, then cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Prepare the sauce separately and combine when ready to serve.
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. It can be frozen for up to three months, but for best flavor, consume within one month.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw if frozen and place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

Choose the Right Shrimp

Using the right type of shrimp is crucial for achieving a delicious creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan. Opt for fresh or properly frozen shrimp. Avoid using shrimp that has been previously thawed and refrozen, as this can compromise texture and flavor. Large shrimp are ideal, as they hold up well during cooking and provide a satisfying bite. When selecting shrimp, look for those that have a slight sheen and a fresh ocean smell. If you use smaller shrimp, they may overcook quickly, resulting in rubbery textures. Always check the label for sustainability practices to ensure quality.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Overcooked shrimp can ruin your creamy garlic dish. The key is to sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on their size. Monitor them closely; once they curl into a C shape, they are done! If you leave them in the pan too long, they will become tough and chewy. To avoid overcooking, prepare all other ingredients beforehand so that you can focus solely on cooking the shrimp. This timing ensures that each element of your dish contributes to a perfect final product.

Balance the Flavors

A well-balanced dish is essential when making creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan. Garlic should enhance the dish without overpowering it; aim for about 2-4 cloves depending on your preference. Incorporating freshly grated parmesan adds depth but be cautious not to add too much salt elsewhere in the recipe. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine to brighten flavors and cut through richness. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate your dish further while providing color and freshness. Balancing flavors results in a harmonious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Use High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients plays a significant role in the final outcome of creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan. Use high-quality olive oil or butter for sautéing; this will enhance richness and flavor significantly. Freshly grated parmesan cheese always outperforms pre-grated options since it melts better and offers superior taste. Additionally, using fresh herbs instead of dried ones will make a notable difference in flavor profile. Investing in good-quality ingredients pays off by creating an unforgettable dish that impresses family and friends alike.

FAQs

What is the best type of shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan?

The best type of shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan is large, fresh or properly frozen shrimp. Look for varieties like Gulf or wild-caught shrimp since they tend to have better flavor and texture than farmed options. Freshness matters greatly; thus, if possible, buy your seafood from a local fish market where you can assess its quality firsthand. Additionally, sustainable seafood choices help maintain ecological balance while ensuring you get high-quality ingredients in your dish.

Can I make creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan ahead of time?

While it’s best to enjoy creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan freshly made, you can prepare some components ahead of time for convenience. You can pre-chop garlic and herbs or even cook the sauce separately without adding shrimp until ready to serve. However, be cautious about storing cooked shrimp; they tend to lose texture when reheated. If necessary, reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking again, but know that freshness greatly enhances flavor.

How do I store leftovers of creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan?

To store leftovers effectively, place any remaining creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Keep it refrigerated for up to three days; however, be aware that reheating may affect texture slightly due to dairy components in the sauce thickening during storage. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on low heat until warmed through but take care not to overcook the shrimp.

Can I substitute other cheeses in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses in this recipe if you’re looking for different flavors or dietary preferences! While parmesan provides rich flavor and creaminess crucial to this dish’s success, alternatives like pecorino Romano or asiago offer similar taste profiles but might introduce sharper notes. For those who need lactose-free options, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy content while maintaining creaminess when blended into sauces.

Conclusion for Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

In summary, creating delicious creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan involves careful attention to ingredient selection and cooking methods. Choosing fresh or sustainably sourced large shrimp ensures optimal taste and texture while avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking them is vital for achieving perfection in your dish. Balancing flavors through proper seasoning enhances overall enjoyment while using high-quality ingredients elevates every bite you take.

By following these tips and addressing common FAQs regarding preparation techniques, you’ll impress everyone at your next meal gathering! Whether served over pasta or alongside crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce—this dish is sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike!