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To make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp, gather these simple items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for a vibrant garnish - Cooked pasta or fluffy rice, for serving If you cannot find large shrimp, medium shrimp works well too. Try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. For the cheese, you can swap the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. If you want a different herb flavor, fresh basil or thyme can add a nice twist. Fresh shrimp should smell clean and not fishy. Look for shells that are firm and shiny. Always check the color; fresh shrimp should be gray or light pink. When using garlic, fresh cloves give the best flavor. If you can, buy organic lemon to avoid pesticides. The zest adds a bright kick to the sauce, so don’t skip it! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it melts. Next, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it. You want the garlic fragrant and golden, not burnt. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Raise the heat a little to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors blend well. Return the sautéed shrimp back to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute to heat the shrimp through and let them soak up the flavors from the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust it as needed. Add more salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary. Serve the creamy lemon garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or fluffy rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh, chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this simple dinner delight! When choosing shrimp, look for clear, shiny shells. The color should be bright and firm. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy smell. Fresh shrimp has a mild scent of the sea. If possible, buy shrimp with the shell on for the best flavor. Check for any black spots on the shell, as these can indicate age. To achieve a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which adds richness. You can also add more Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. If you want a touch of tang, a splash of cream cheese can elevate the flavor. Whisk the sauce as you add ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and chewy. Remove shrimp from the pan just before they are fully cooked. The heat from the sauce will finish cooking them. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic or sauce. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that have a mild scent and a firm texture. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth while still maintaining a rich flavor. Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente and reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs or seasonings, such as dill or thyme, to give the dish a unique twist that complements the lemon and garlic. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition of your creamy lemon garlic shrimp by adding vegetables. Think about adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and flavor. For spinach, stir it in just before serving. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and pop. Bell peppers provide crunch. Cook them with the shrimp for extra taste. If you want to switch things up, try different proteins. Chicken or scallops work well in this dish. For chicken, cut it into small pieces and sauté it like the shrimp. If you prefer scallops, they cook quickly and soak up the flavors. Both options give you a tasty twist on the classic recipe. You can adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can give a new flavor. If you love a bit of spice, add some Cajun seasoning. These changes let you personalize your creamy lemon garlic shrimp for any mood or occasion. Store leftover creamy lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps maintain the dish's creamy texture. To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between to avoid overcooking. If you have more shrimp than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can serve this dish with many sides. Pasta is a classic choice. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. Fluffy rice also pairs perfectly. If you want greens, try a fresh salad. Garlic bread is a tasty option too. You can even serve it over zucchini noodles for a fun twist. To make this dish low-carb, swap out the pasta or rice. Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead. Both options give you a great base without the carbs. You can add more veggies, like spinach or broccoli, for extra nutrients. This keeps the dish light and still delicious. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry before adding them to the pan. They will taste just as good as fresh shrimp. This article covers everything you need to make creamy lemon garlic shrimp. We discussed key ingredients, fresh alternatives, and how to ensure quality. You learned step-by-step instructions for perfect sautéing. Tips for selecting fresh shrimp and cooking times were shared as well. Variations give you options with veggies and proteins. Finally, storage info keeps your leftovers tasty. With these insights, you can now create a dish that impresses every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Delight

A rich and creamy shrimp dish infused with lemon and garlic, perfect over pasta or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving cooked pasta or fluffy rice

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, season with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color and are opaque. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn; you want it fragrant and golden.
  • Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine with the garlic. Next, add the zesty lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them thoroughly in the luscious creamy sauce. Cook for another minute to ensure the shrimp are heated through and infused with flavor.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, striking the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Ladle the creamy lemon garlic shrimp generously over your choice of cooked pasta or fluffy rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword creamy, garlic, lemon, pasta, shrimp