Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (31-40 count size, thawed & peeled); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon flour; 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste)

If you’re craving something that feels fancy but comes together super fast, then you’re in for a treat. I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe because it’s fresh, indulgent, and packed with flavor—all while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this dish and why it’s become a go-to when I want to impress without stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Prep & Cook Time: You can have this creamy delight ready in just about 20 minutes—perfect for busy days.
Burst of Fresh Flavors: The lemon zest and garlic create a fresh zing that balances the rich parmesan cream sauce beautifully.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here, just pantry staples coming together to wow your taste buds.
Versatile Dish: It pairs well with almost anything—from pasta to veggies—making it easy to customize your meal.

A white plate with brown speckles holds a dish with three layers. The bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a soft texture in a light off-white color. On top of the potatoes is a thick, white sauce with herbs and visible black pepper flakes spread over, adding a smooth but slightly textured look. The top layer consists of five pinkish-orange cooked shrimp arranged in a small pile, their curled tails visible and some with light green herbs on them. A bright lemon wedge is placed on the left side of the potatoes, adding a pop of yellow color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes, Flavorful Shrimp Recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that luscious, comforting sauce. You’ll find that using fresh lemon zest and garlic really lifts the dish, while the butter and cream round out the texture gorgeously.

Flat lay of raw peeled shrimp, fresh lemon halves and lemon zest, whole garlic cloves and minced garlic, a small mound of grated parmesan cheese, a pat of butter, sprigs of fresh parsley, and a small bowl of Italian seasoning, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and natural lighting, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes, Flavorful Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp: I go for peeled and thawed, 31-40 count size for a nice meaty bite without it getting rubbery.
Butter: It’s the foundation of flavor and helps build that silky sauce.
Flour: Just a little to thicken the sauce perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—adds sharpness and warmth.
Lemon juice & zest: The lemon’s brightness is what makes this recipe pop.
Heavy cream: Keeps everything creamy and indulgent.
Italian seasoning: A subtle blend of herbs that adds complexity without overpowering.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings that nutty, salty richness you can’t skip.
Fresh parsley: For a hint of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Salt & pepper: To season to perfection.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve found that this recipe is a fantastic base that you can tweak to suit your mood or pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite flavors.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat—my family asks for seconds every time.
Greens Added: Toss in some baby spinach or kale toward the end for extra nutrition and color.
Dairy-Free Version: I tried using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a different twist, and it turned out surprisingly lovely.
Swap the Shrimp: You can make this with chicken or scallops if seafood isn’t your thing, though shrimp cooks the fastest.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro

Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water if they’re frozen, then pat them completely dry—this is key because dry shrimp will sear better and keep the sauce from getting watery. You can remove the tails if you prefer, but I like leaving them on for that extra visual appeal when serving.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Base

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around to cook for about a minute—that little step thickens the sauce nicely without lumps. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 3: Add the Creamy Lemon Goodness

Pour in the lemon juice with the zest, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes so all those flavors meld together and the sauce starts to thicken slightly. That lemon zest truly makes the sauce zing—it’s like sunshine in your pan.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Now it’s time to add in the shrimp. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque and the sauce thickens. Don’t overdo it—shrimp can get rubbery fast, so keep an eye on it and reduce the heat if the sauce bubbles too aggressively. When in doubt, pull it off heat early!

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The cheese enriches the sauce, while the parsley adds freshness and a lovely pop of green. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for the best experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Dry Shrimp = Better Sear: Patting your shrimp dry before cooking prevents excess moisture and helps you avoid a watery sauce.
Control the Heat: Keep the heat medium to medium-high; too hot and the cream can separate, too low and the shrimp will steam instead of sauté.
Fresh Parmesan Always: Grated fresh parmesan melts smoothly and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated versions.
Watch Cooking Times: Overcooked shrimp get tough quickly—take them off heat as soon as they turn pink and curl up nicely.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

A silver pan filled with creamy white sauce that covers most of the pan's bottom, topped with light pink cooked shrimp scattered evenly, some sprinkled with small green herbs. Three bright yellow lemon wedges rest on top of the shrimp and sauce, adding a fresh contrast. The sauce has a smooth texture with small specks of black pepper and herbs throughout. The image is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes, Flavorful Shrimp Recipes

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley right before serving for color and freshness. Sometimes I add lemon wedges on the side so everyone can dial up the citrus brightness to their liking. A light dusting of extra parmesan doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I love serving this shrimp over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta (like fettuccine or linguine), or even cauliflower rice if I’m feeling low-carb. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad round out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or spoon it over a bed of fluffy risotto. Recently, I even plated it inside buttery gruyère puff pastry shells for a special occasion—it was a big hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it cools—just stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring it back to that silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my first choice since the creamy sauce can split after thawing, but if you need to, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet, adding a touch of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is quick but be careful to avoid overheating the shrimp which can make it tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking by running them under cold water and patting them dry thoroughly. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the sauce from getting watery.
What can I serve with creamy lemon garlic parmesan shrimp?

This dish shines over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even paired with steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or sautéed greens complement the rich sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer, and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a dairy-free version. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and curl up, usually about 5 minutes. Removing them from heat as soon as they’re cooked will keep them tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe enough—it’s one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, it takes a snap. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try next time you want something both elegant and effortless—I bet it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!