Description
An incredibly elegant yet easy one-pan creamy garlic shrimp recipe that is perfect for a weeknight. This dish features a luscious, restaurant-quality sauce made from garlic, white wine, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, all coming together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside
- Build the Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer and let the wine reduce by about half, about 2-3 minutes
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the seared shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and let them warm through for about a minute. Stir in the fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: To keep shrimp tender and juicy, sear them briefly and then finish cooking them gently in the warm sauce.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since the ingredient list is simple, using fresh garlic, real butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield the best flavor and texture.
Pat the Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture from the shrimp is crucial for getting a proper sear rather than steaming them.
Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth mixed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to prevent the sauce from splitting.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without pasta or rice)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 308mg