This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Tender shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, and Italian seasonings, then tossed with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Shrimp

  • 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
    For the Optional Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or seafood broth
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
    For Garnishing
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes
    Instructions
  1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

  1. Heat the Butter and Olive Oil

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt and become fragrant without browning too much.

  1. Cook the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.

  1. Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, depending on size.

The shrimp should turn pink and opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

  1. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

For a creamier sauce, pour in the chicken or seafood broth and add heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Stir gently and simmer for 1–2 minutes.

  1. Add Parmesan Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the buttery garlic sauce.

  1. Add Lemon and Herbs

Stir in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss the shrimp gently until coated in the delicious sauce.

  1. Serve Immediately

Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve warm with your favorite side dish!
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving (1 of 4 servings, with optional creamy sauce)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 39 g
Carbohydrates 3 g
Fat 19 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 1 g
Sodium 850 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and depend on shrimp size, Parmesan, broth, and added salt.
Nut Information & Allergens

  • Tree nuts: No almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, or other tree nuts are included in the standard recipe.
  • Peanuts: No peanuts are included.
  • Shellfish: Contains shrimp, a major shellfish allergen.
  • Dairy: Contains butter, Parmesan cheese, and optional heavy cream.
  • Mustard: Optional Dijon mustard may contain mustard, an allergen for some people.
  • Possible cross-contact: Check packaged ingredients and preparation surfaces for allergen warnings.
    Nut-free option: The standard recipe contains no nuts. Check packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.

Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. Omit the cream or use an unsweetened dairy-free cream alternative.

Lower-sodium option: Use unsalted butter, low-sodium broth, less Parmesan, and reduce added salt.

Gluten-free option: The standard ingredients are generally gluten-free, but check broth, Dijon mustard, and seasonings for gluten-containing additives or cross-contact.

Important: Shrimp is shellfish. This recipe is not suitable for anyone with a shrimp or shellfish allergy.
Helpful Cooking Tips

  • Use large shrimp: They stay juicy and are easier to cook without overcooking.
  • Dry the shrimp: Removing excess moisture helps them sauté instead of steam.
  • Don’t burn the garlic: Cook it briefly to preserve its sweet, aromatic flavor.
  • Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
  • Avoid overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left in the skillet too long.
  • Add lemon at the end: Fresh lemon juice brightens the buttery sauce.
  • Adjust the sauce: Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
    Storage Instructions
  • Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid prolonged cooking.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for the finished creamy sauce because its texture may change.
  • Meal prep: Prepare the garlic and seasonings ahead, but cook the shrimp shortly before serving for the best texture.
    Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
    Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water in a sealed bag. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before cooking.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them near the end and heat gently just until warmed through. Avoid cooking them for too long.

Q3: How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp should turn pink and opaque with a firm, slightly curled shape. For a food-temperature check, cook to 145°F (63°C).

Q4: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Absolutely! Skip the cream and use a little extra broth. The butter, garlic, and Parmesan still make a delicious sauce.

Q5: Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter flavor.

Q6: What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal because it melts smoothly and gives the sauce a rich, savory flavor.

Q7: Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce.

Q8: Can I cook the shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes. Toss seasoned shrimp with a little olive oil and air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning halfway. Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce separately and toss with the cooked shrimp.

Q9: What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, zucchini noodles, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.

Q10: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes! Bite-sized chicken pieces can be used, but cook them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before adding the Parmesan sauce.

Q11: Does this recipe contain nuts?

No. The standard recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts. Always check packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.

Q12: Is Garlic Parmesan Shrimp gluten-free?

The standard ingredients are generally gluten-free. Check all packaged products, especially broth and seasonings, to confirm.

Q13: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and sauce components ahead, but shrimp are best cooked just before serving.

Q14: Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?

The heat may have been too high or the cheese may have been added too quickly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in freshly grated Parmesan gradually.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with:

  • Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta
  • Lemon butter orzo
  • Garlic roasted asparagus
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Mediterranean cucumber salad
  • Roasted zucchini and bell peppers
  • Warm crusty bread