If you’re craving something indulgent yet simple to whip up on a busy weeknight, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I love how the bright lemon and garlic flavors blend effortlessly with rich cream and parmesan to create a sauce that’s beyond delicious. Stick around, because I’m going to share all the little tips that make this recipe foolproof and totally mouthwatering.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days without sacrificing flavor.
Rich, Balanced Flavors: The creamy sauce has a perfect tang from lemon and a savory hit from parmesan.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies — it pairs well with so many sides.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this sauce, making leftovers almost non-existent.

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 Shrimp, Parmesan Shrimp Recipe, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe lies in simple fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. When shopping, I always pick shrimp that’s peeled and deveined to save time, and fresh garlic makes a huge difference here.

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 Shrimp, Parmesan Shrimp Recipe, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes

Shrimp: Use peeled and thawed shrimp to make prep quick; 31-40 count size cooks perfectly tender.
Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the shrimp gently without sticking.
Flour: Just a bit to thicken the sauce without heaviness.
Garlic: Freshly minced for the best pungent kick; I use 4-5 cloves for a good punch.
Lemon juice and zest: The zest gives an intense lemon flavor, while fresh juice balances the creaminess.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky base for the sauce—don’t substitute with milk or it won’t thicken properly.
Italian seasoning: A blend that brings subtle herb notes, but feel free to tweak according to your taste.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth umami goodness.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright color and fresh finish—always worth adding.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.

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 love to keep this recipe flexible—sometimes swapping out ingredients to suit my mood or what’s on hand. Don’t be shy about making it your own.

Spicy Kick: I often add crushed red pepper flakes when I want some heat, and it just livens up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Protein Swap: If shrimp isn’t your thing, chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces works wonderfully with the sauce.
Herb Variations: Fresh basil or thyme can replace parsley for a different but equally tasty herbal note.
Dairy-Free: I’ve experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist, but the flavor changes quite a bit.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Shrimp Ready

First, if your shrimp is frozen, run it under cool water till thawed—this makes it easier to handle. I like to remove the tails for easier eating, but leaving them on looks fancy if you’re serving guests. Pat them dry very well with paper towels; this helps them sear nicely and prevents steaming.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about a minute to cook off the raw taste — this little step thickens the sauce perfectly. Immediately add minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant; garlic burns easily so watch it carefully.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Lemon

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, then pour in the heavy cream along with Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes so it starts to thicken and flavors meld. You’ll notice the sauce begin to look gorgeous and silky here.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. They’ll turn pink and curl up nicely—avoid overcooking as shrimp get rubbery fast. If your sauce thickens too quickly or bubbles vigorously, turn down the heat to keep everything smooth and luscious.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

Stir the parmesan cheese into the sauce so it melts into that creamy goodness. Toss in fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and bright flavor. Once everything is combined, take the skillet off heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like, then serve it immediately—you’ll want to dig right in!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Pat Dry Your Shrimp: I learned this the hard way—wet shrimp won’t sear properly and can make your sauce watery.
Watch the Garlic Closely: Garlic burns in seconds; cook it just until fragrant for that perfect aroma without bitterness.
Adjust Sauce Thickness On The Fly: If it thickens too fast, lower the heat, and you can always add a splash more cream or some broth to loosen.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast and continue to cook in residual heat; I take them off when just done to keep them juicy.

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 Shrimp, Parmesan Shrimp Recipe, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Seafood Recipes

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and add that fresh herbal note. A few lemon wedges on the side are optional, but I love offering an extra citrus boost. Some cracked black pepper on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is a bed of warm linguine or angel hair pasta—those thin noodles soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. You can also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables if you want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the shrimp in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers and extra parmesan curls. Using cooked zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a base can also make for a beautiful gluten-free presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit once chilled, so give it a gentle stir when reheating. Shrimp tastes best freshly cooked, but leftover sauce is still delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing shrimp in cream sauce because the texture of the cream can separate and get grainy when defrosted. If you want to freeze, consider freezing shrimp and sauce separately, then combining after thawing and gently reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps bring it back to a silky consistency. Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to dry the shrimp out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely under cold running water and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture in the pan and ensures they cook evenly without steaming.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?

Using freshly grated parmesan cheese gives the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce. Avoid pre-grated or powdered parmesan as it often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift, but it’s a workable swap for those with dairy restrictions.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Shrimp cook quickly, usually about 5 minutes in this recipe. Watch for when they turn pink and curl up and remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for when I want comfort food that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. I love sharing this with friends because it always feels like a special treat without a ton of fuss. Give it a try—I bet you’ll find it becomes one of your quick go-to favorites too!