Creamy Parmesan Garlic Butter Shrimp

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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Butter Shrimp is a rich, comforting, and easy skillet dinner packed with tender shrimp, buttery garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a silky cream sauce. This restaurant-style shrimp recipe comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.

4. Add Parmesan

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Add red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat.

5. Return the Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them with the creamy Parmesan garlic butter sauce.

Simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the shrimp can absorb the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Shrimp

This creamy shrimp dinner goes perfectly with:

  • Fettuccine or linguine
  • White or brown rice
  • Garlic bread
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Fresh green salad

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if left on the heat too long.

Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.

Keep the heat moderate. A gentle simmer helps create a creamy sauce without separating the dairy.

Serve it hot. The sauce is at its creamiest immediately after cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those easy skillet meals that tastes much more impressive than the effort required. The shrimp are tender and buttery, while the creamy Parmesan sauce is loaded with garlic flavor.

With simple ingredients and just one skillet, this recipe is an excellent choice for an easy seafood dinner, date-night meal, or cozy family dinner.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Skillet