Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that combines succulent shrimp with the richness of butter, the savory depth of garlic, and the nutty creaminess of Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that feels gourmet but can be made in less than 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights and an impressive dish for special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Garlic Parmesan Shrimp because it’s versatile and satisfying. The shrimp cook quickly, absorbing the bold garlic-butter sauce, while the Parmesan melts into a creamy, savory glaze. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping, this recipe never fails to deliver comfort and flavor. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy schedules.
• Packed with bold flavors: buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
• Can be served as an appetizer, side, or main dish.
• Elegant enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weeknights.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American, Fusion
• Course: Main Course, Appetizer

Ingredients

For Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.
2. Add garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Cook shrimp until pink and slightly golden.
4. Toss with Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice.
5. Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

• Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
• Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 4: Add Parmesan & Finish

• Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan until shrimp are coated.
• Add lemon juice and chopped parsley for freshness.

Step 5: Serve

• Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a shrimp pasta dish.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the buttery sauce.
• Serve with steamed veggies, risotto, or rice for a full meal.
• As an appetizer, serve in small bowls with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor (frozen is fine, just thaw completely).
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very fast and can become rubbery.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta: Toss shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta.
• Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream before Parmesan for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Shrimp: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers: Grill shrimp with the same seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or butter (microwave can make shrimp rubbery).

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs (for flipping shrimp)
• Microplane or grater (for Parmesan)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s better to use raw shrimp for best flavor, but pre-cooked can be used—just warm briefly in garlic butter to avoid overcooking.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook shrimp in batches so they don’t steam instead of sear.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and versatile dish that transforms simple ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. Its garlicky, buttery sauce with a cheesy Parmesan finish makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with bread, or as a quick appetizer, this dish will win hearts and become a staple in your kitchen.