Classic Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with a Zesty Finish
This quick and easy skillet recipe features succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, finished with fresh herbs and a bright squeeze of lemon for a truly satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup onion finely diced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped (for garnish)
- 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice (for a zesty twist)
Instructions
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, optionally adding diced onion to cook until soft.
- Push the garlic and onion to one side, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, then add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque before removing and setting aside.
- Pour broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer; reduce heat, add grated Parmesan, and whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the creamy sauce and warming through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in fresh chopped parsley or chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving, then serve immediately.
Notes
To prevent overcooking, ensure shrimp are removed from the pan as soon as they turn pink. Adjust seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preference.