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One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings or when you're craving something utterly delicious without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Entree
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: Crusty bread or cooked pasta for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Paper towels
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. If your shrimp are frozen, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is a crucial step for ensuring the shrimp sear nicely and don't steam in the pan. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
    1.5 pounds large shrimp, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  2. Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter to the hot pan. Once the butter has melted and is slightly shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they get a good sear. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
    1.5 pounds large shrimp
  4. Lower the heat back to medium. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the cream simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
    1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
    1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently toss the shrimp to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp warm through in the sauce for about 1 to 2 minutes.
    1.5 pounds large shrimp
  7. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Serve the One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp immediately. It's fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over your favorite pasta, with rice, or simply with warm crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce.
    2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, Optional: Crusty bread or cooked pasta for serving

Notes

Properly storing and reheating your delicious One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp ensures you can enjoy those delightful flavors even later. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, avoiding high heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.