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To make this creamy garlic shrimp, you’ll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Cooked pasta of your choice (for serving) These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful dish that will impress anyone. You can customize this dish by adding: - Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor - A splash of white wine for depth - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste These optional ingredients allow you to make the dish your own and suit your taste. If you don’t have something on hand, here are some substitutes: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Any type of shrimp can work if you prefer smaller sizes. - For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a vegan twist. These substitutes keep the dish adaptable while still tasting amazing. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Cooked pasta of your choice Next, measure everything out. This makes cooking smoother. You can use any pasta you like. Have it cooked and ready to go. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Let it melt until it bubbles. Once it’s ready, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Now, add your shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper over them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. After the shrimp are cooked, lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. This combines all the flavors. Gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Your sauce will thicken nicely. Stir in the lemon zest for a bright flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over your cooked pasta. Make sure to drizzle extra sauce on top. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your meal! To ensure your shrimp turn out perfect, focus on timing. Start with a hot skillet. Melt the butter until it's bubbly. This helps lock in flavor. Add the garlic next, but don't let it brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. When adding shrimp, listen for the sizzle. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. They'll turn pink and opaque when done. This means they are perfectly cooked. To make the sauce truly creamy and rich, use heavy cream. It blends well with the cheese, creating a nice texture. Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly. This allows it to melt fully into the sauce. Don’t forget the lemon zest! It adds a bright flavor that cuts through the creaminess. Taste your sauce as you go. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serving your creamy garlic shrimp can make it shine. Use a shallow bowl for a nice look. Place the pasta first, then spoon on the shrimp and sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. This gives a lovely finish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add lemon slices on the side. This invites guests to add a zesty touch if they like. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp rather than frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed before cooking. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth to reduce the richness without losing flavor. Perfect Garlic Sauté: Be cautious not to overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant and slightly golden, but not browned, to prevent bitterness in the dish. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley not only enhance the appearance but also add freshness to the dish. Consider adding basil or dill for a unique twist. {{image_4}} To make this dish your own, add some fun ingredients. Try adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. They add color and nutrients. You can also mix in some cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory twist. If you love herbs, add fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor. These additions make the dish even more exciting. While any pasta works well, some pair better than others. Spaghetti and fettuccine are great choices. They hold the sauce nicely. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. For a lighter option, consider zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These choices keep it healthy and delicious. If you enjoy heat, spice it up! Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Another idea is to mix in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. These spicy additions can turn your creamy garlic shrimp into a bold dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavor! After you enjoy creamy garlic shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Leftovers will stay good for about 2-3 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool before sealing the container. This prevents moisture buildup. To reheat your creamy garlic shrimp, use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to warm it up without cooking the shrimp more. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overheat. For freezing, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze the shrimp for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned above, to keep the sauce smooth and tasty. To make creamy garlic shrimp gluten-free, focus on the pasta. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular. Many brands offer great options like rice or corn pasta. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free. So you can enjoy this dish worry-free. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them cook evenly. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best results. Creamy garlic shrimp goes well with several sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy touch. - A fresh salad with lemon dressing for brightness. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for color. These sides will balance the richness of the shrimp dish. The creamy sauce lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on low heat. Stir well to bring back its creamy texture. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make creamy garlic shrimp. You learned about main and optional ingredients, plus ingredient substitutes for custom flavors. I shared cooking techniques and tips for perfect presentation. You also discovered variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Now, you can create your own delicious dish. Follow these tips, and enjoy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Delight

A rich and flavorful shrimp dish cooked in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for serving over pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly and fragrant. As soon as the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant without turning brown.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a vibrant pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
  • Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the flavors in the skillet.
  • Next, gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the lemon zest to enhance the sauce with a refreshing brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as necessary.
  • Serve the creamy garlic shrimp generously over the cooked pasta, making sure to drizzle some luscious sauce over the top for added flavor.
  • Finish by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the dish in a shallow bowl with extra Parmesan and lemon slices.
Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, shrimp