Want to feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant without the carbs or the wait? This creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp is your answer! It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in just 20 minutes. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb – perfect for keto enthusiasts or anyone craving something special without the guilt.
What You’ll Need
For the star players:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan, grated
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
- Olive oil for cooking
The Simple Method
Start by patting your shrimp dry – this is the secret to getting that perfect golden sear. Season them well with salt and pepper. Get your largest skillet nice and hot, add a splash of olive oil, and cook those shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they’re just pink. Set them aside – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Making That Dreamy Sauce
Using the same pan (hello, extra flavor!), melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds – we want it fragrant, not brown. Pour in the cream, let it bubble gently for a few minutes, then add your Parmesan. Stir until everything’s smooth and starting to thicken.
Bringing It Home
Slide those shrimp back into the pan, nestling them in that creamy sauce. Let everything mingle and heat through for another minute or two. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Serving Ideas
Keep it low-carb by serving over:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed spinach
Make It Perfect Every Time
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked
- Don’t skip drying the shrimp
- Fresh garlic is non-negotiable
- Grate your own Parmesan
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they’ll get tough
Quick Variations
Feel like mixing it up?
- Add some spinach
- Throw in sliced mushrooms
- Use a mix of cheeses
- Add a splash of white wine
- Top with fresh basil
Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently – nobody likes rubbery shrimp! The sauce might thicken up, so add a splash of cream when reheating if needed.
Remember, this dish is best served right away when the sauce is creamy and the shrimp are perfectly cooked. It’s one of those meals that looks fancy but is actually super simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special!
Pro tip: Keep these ingredients on hand and you’ll always be 20 minutes away from an impressive, low-carb dinner that tastes like it took hours to make!
