Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet is a fast, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with Italian herbs and parmesan. It’s luxurious enough for date night and easy enough for weeknights—perfect served over pasta, rice, or with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a restaurant-quality seafood dinner made effortlessly at home. The shrimp are seasoned and seared to perfection, then bathed in a velvety sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, and full of bold flavor. With just one skillet and under 30 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s ideal for quick meals, cozy evenings, or when you want something indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. - Sear the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. - Finish the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is fully melted. - Combine & Serve:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
Simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes to heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. - Garnish & Enjoy:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 460 kcal
Variations
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and color.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Low-Carb Serving: Serve over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through—do not overcook or they’ll become rubbery.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are great choices as they hold the sauce well.
Can I substitute chicken broth with wine?
Yes, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds great depth to the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or add 1 tablespoon of flour to the butter and garlic step to create a light roux.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free broth and serving with gluten-free pasta or sides.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely—extra parmesan or a touch of mozzarella will make it even creamier.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly, and the red pepper flakes are optional. You can increase or omit them to taste.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
It’s best fresh, but you can cook the shrimp and sauce separately and combine just before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet is a quick, decadent dish that brings elegance and comfort to the dinner table in just 20 minutes. With rich garlic butter flavor, a silky parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it’s sure to satisfy and delight.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet is a rich and velvety one-pan meal featuring juicy seared shrimp in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Packed with Italian herbs, a hint of spice, and ready in 20 minutes — it’s the perfect comfort dish to serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
-
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
-
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
-
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
-
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
-
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. -
Sear the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until just cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside. -
Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Stir in chicken broth or wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. -
Finish the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the cream and stir. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens. -
Combine & Serve:
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Simmer on low for 2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
-
Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or sub coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
-
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
-
This sauce also works well with chicken or scallops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
