Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (26 g) unsalted butter
- 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (31-40 count per pound), thawed if frozen
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable stock or chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream for UK)
- ½ cup (43 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque. Avoid overcooking. Remove the shrimp from the skillet onto a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Add the vegetable or chicken stock to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half over a few minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Thicken Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and continue simmering on medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well; the cheese will help thicken the sauce further.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to coat them evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) for best texture and presentation.
- Vegetable or chicken stock can be used interchangeably; adjust salt accordingly since some stocks are salted.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances sauce texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This dish pairs excellently with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
