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The Best Creamy Shrimp Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

The Best Creamy Shrimp Sauce Recipe

Tender shrimp are quickly seared and finished in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with broth, Italian seasoning, lemon, and parsley. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Shrimp and Seasoning
  • 1 lb (450 g) Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Chicken or seafood broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/2 cup (45-50 g) Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season them with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque; transfer them to a plate before they are fully cooked.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the broth picks up the skillet flavor.
  5. Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened; do not let it boil vigorously.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in the finely grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
  7. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, just until the shrimp are cooked through.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. Finish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before searing so they brown instead of steam. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, and add Parmesan over low heat to help prevent a grainy or separated texture. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, stirring often; avoid boiling.