If you’re searching for a show-stopping seafood dish that comes together in a flash and tastes like pure luxury, this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp will make you swoon. Plump, juicy shrimp are bathed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce bursting with zesty lemon and kissed with fresh garlic. The sauce has that perfect balance of richness and brightness, making every bite irresistible. Whether you serve it over a bed of tender pasta, fluffy rice, or simply with good bread to sop up the sauce, this recipe is sure to wow your family or impress guests—no special skills required!

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp really comes from how a handful of simple ingredients build layers of flavor in just minutes. Each item on this list brings something special to the party—here’s how they come together:

Shrimp: Go for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for juicy bites and an elegant presentation.
Olive Oil: Gives a lovely base for sautéing and adds depth to the sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps the garlic bloom without browning too quickly.
Garlic: Four cloves is just right for a robust but not overpowering garlic flavor—don’t skimp!
Heavy Cream: The backbone of our luscious sauce, making it indulgently smooth and rich.
Chicken Broth: Keeps things light, savory, and helps balance the creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and that unmistakably nutty, cheesy essence.
Lemon Zest: Offers an aromatic punch to lift the entire dish.
Lemon Juice: Gives much-needed tang and freshness in every forkful.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that sharpen all other flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little spark of heat in every bite.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle for color and fresh, herby finish.
Cooked Pasta or Rice: The perfect canvas to soak up that gorgeous, creamy sauce.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear beautifully, then give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Dry shrimp mean golden edges; seasoning them upfront ensures every bite is flavorful even before they hit the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they’re blushing pink and opaque. Once done, scoop them onto a plate so you don’t overcook them—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter right in that same pan, letting it pick up all those little browned shrimp bits (hello, flavor!). Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—just long enough for your kitchen to start smelling amazing and the garlic to soften but not burn.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, plus a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some extra zip. Let this bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still feel light and velvety.

Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Sauce to Finish

Gently add your cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat. Let them warm through for a minute or two—just until everything is hot and glossy. Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of green and freshness right at the end.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness, while a touch of extra lemon zest or a dusting of Parmesan can make the dish look as spectacular as it tastes. For special occasions, serve with thin lemon slices and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Side Dishes

This sauce was practically made for buttery linguine, angel hair pasta, or fluffy basmati rice. Want to lighten things up? Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or simple steamed asparagus—either soaks up that creamy citrusy sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, spoon Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp into individual ramekins alongside crostini for dipping. Or pile the shrimp onto toasted baguette slices for a fancy appetizer. It’s also dazzling served in a shallow bowl with a swirl of pasta and an extra-sharp Parmesan shaving on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The flavors will meld even more overnight, though the sauce might thicken further as it chills.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, creamy sauces may change texture a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze just the shrimp and sauce (not the pasta or rice) in a tight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Shrimp can get tough if overcooked, so heat only until just warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking, so you don’t end up with excess moisture in your hot skillet.

What’s the best cheese for the sauce?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal—it melts better, adds a creamier texture, and offers a richer flavor than anything pre-shredded or from a can.

Is there a lighter version of Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a blend of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter spin, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

The Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp itself is naturally gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or zoodles for a completely gluten-free meal.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook extremely fast! Watch for them to turn pink and opaque—usually just 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done, then return to the sauce at the very end.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you try this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp the next time you want a meal that’s elegant but uncomplicated. It’s one of those recipes with incredible payoff for very little effort—and likely to become a mainstay in your dinner rotation!

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Creamy Lemon Parmesan Shrimp dish, where succulent shrimp are bathed in a velvety lemon-infused cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect combination of savory and citrusy, creating a delightful meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cooked pasta or rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until pink, then set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, broth, Parmesan, lemon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return shrimp to skillet, coat with sauce, heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.
Serve: Over pasta or rice.