Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: A Quick & Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. This recipe combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the savory, pungent flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese, creating a truly irresistible combination. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create the perfect Garlic Parmesan Shrimp every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, parmesan, and shrimp is a match made in heaven.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone loves shrimp, especially when it’s coated in garlic parmesan goodness.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference). Medium to large shrimp work best.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, freshly grated. Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt as well and lacks flavor.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter is the key to a rich and flavorful sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps to prevent the butter from burning.
* **White Wine:** 1/4 cup (optional). A dry white wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a touch of heat.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. For garnish and added freshness.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Garlic press or knife for mincing garlic
* Cheese grater
* Mixing bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important for browning and preventing the sauce from becoming watery. Place the shrimp in a bowl.

**2. Season the Shrimp:**

* Drizzle the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss to coat evenly. The oil helps the seasoning adhere to the shrimp and adds flavor.

**3. Cook the Garlic:**

* In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**4. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional):**

* If using white wine, pour it into the skillet after the garlic is fragrant. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly. The wine adds a layer of complexity to the sauce.

**5. Cook the Shrimp:**

* Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

**6. Add Parmesan and Lemon Juice:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy coating for the shrimp. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**

* Sprinkle the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

## Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese are crucial for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Pat the Shrimp Dry:** Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps them to brown properly and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish. Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Use a Good Quality Parmesan:** The quality of the parmesan cheese will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block, rather than pre-grated cheese.
* **Optional Additions:** Consider adding other vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Creamy Version:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Pasta:** Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta.
* **Over Rice:** Serve the shrimp over cooked rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, adding flavor.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
* **In Tacos or Wraps:** Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* **With Vegetables:** Serve the shrimp with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* **On Bruschetta:** Top grilled or toasted bread with the garlic parmesan shrimp for a delicious appetizer.

## Variations

* **Lemon Garlic Shrimp:** Increase the amount of lemon juice for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Spicy Garlic Shrimp:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Creamy Garlic Shrimp:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Shrimp Scampi:** This recipe is very similar to shrimp scampi. You can add more butter and white wine to create a more traditional scampi sauce.
* **Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Spinach:** Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. The spinach will wilt and add a boost of nutrients and flavor.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the shrimp and the garlic parmesan sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator in separate containers. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are heated through.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

*Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe*

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and black pepper, to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Melt butter and remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. If using, pour in white wine and simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

## Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Garlic Parmesan Shrimp!