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Creamy Garlic Shrimp in a skillet with Parmesan garlic sauce and fresh parsley garnish

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Tender shrimp seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, all made in one pan. The perfect quick and indulgent weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, fully thawed if frozen
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Do not overcook. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just lightly golden.
  4. Pour in chicken broth or white wine and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer on medium-low for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy, coating consistency.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer on low for 1 to 2 minutes just to heat through.
  7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Do not overcook shrimp during searing as they finish in the sauce. White wine adds a deeper flavor than chicken broth. Optional add-ins: sauteed onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of cream.