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To make Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp, gather these fresh and simple items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 8 oz fettuccine or your choice of pasta These ingredients create a dish full of flavor. The shrimp provides protein, while the creamy sauce adds richness. The garlic and lemon bring zest that balances the creaminess. Using fresh parsley as a garnish adds color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this meal a delight. Make sure to use high-quality shrimp for the best taste. Fresh lemons make a big difference in flavor too. Enjoy the process of cooking with these wonderful ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to boil salted water. Use a large pot, and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt; this helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water boils, add your fettuccine. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. To check, taste a piece! Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water. This water helps to adjust your sauce later! Next, grab a large skillet and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The butter will add richness to the dish. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They will turn pink and opaque when they’re done. Be careful not to overcook them! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the zest and juice from 1 lemon. Stir this mixture and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring to blend the flavors well. Now, it’s time to add flavor! Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will give your sauce a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until you reach the thickness you want. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy sauce to coat. Then, add your cooked pasta and mix everything well. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Enjoy your flavorful dinner delight! - How to know when shrimp are done: The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes over medium heat. If they curl tightly, they are likely overcooked. - Preventing overcooking: Remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as they change color. They will continue cooking in the hot sauce, so it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook. - Tips on incorporating cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly into the sauce. Stir well to ensure no lumps form. - Adjusting thickness of sauce: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help you reach the perfect creamy consistency without losing flavor. - Best pasta pairings: Fettuccine works great, but you can use any pasta you like. Tagliatelle or linguine can also soak up the creamy sauce well. - Ideal side dishes: Serve with a light salad or garlic bread. Both add a nice crunch and balance to the meal. A simple green vegetable, like steamed broccoli, also pairs well. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency without it becoming too thick. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic, allowing it to reduce slightly. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add a pop of color but also enhance the dish's flavor, so don’t skip this step! {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your taste. Try using different cheeses. For example, goat cheese or a sharp cheddar can add a new twist. These cheeses melt well and add creaminess. If you want a lighter sauce, you can swap heavy cream for half and half. This option still gives creaminess but with less fat. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be less thick. Want to up the flavor? Adding vegetables is a great idea. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for sweetness and a pop of color. They cook quickly and brighten the dish. Don’t be shy about spices! You can try adding paprika for warmth or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun and unique. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty pasta that works great in this dish. You won't miss the regular pasta at all. For a low-carb option, swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These choices are healthy and keep the meal light. You still get that creamy sauce, and it feels just as satisfying. To keep your creamy lemon garlic shrimp fresh, store it right. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Ensure the dish cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Your shrimp should stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. This keeps the shrimp tender. You can also use the microwave, but stir every 30 seconds. To maintain creaminess, add a splash of cream or broth. This helps the sauce stay smooth and tasty. If you want to freeze your dish, follow these guidelines. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, pack it in airtight freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. Your creamy lemon garlic shrimp can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to enjoy. You can pair Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Simple green salad - Roasted asparagus - Lemon rice These sides balance the rich sauce and add freshness to your meal. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them separately. - Cool the shrimp and sauce. - Place them in airtight containers. - Refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat gently and combine with fresh pasta. To store leftovers, follow these steps: - Place the shrimp and pasta in an airtight container. - Add a bit of extra cream or pasta water to keep it moist. - Refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating: - Use a skillet over low heat. - Stir gently and add a splash of cream if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough. Enjoy your leftovers! This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy lemon garlic shrimp dish. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. We also explored flavor variations and storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking shrimp just right is key for best results. Feel free to experiment with flavors and enjoy your dish with great sides. With these insights, you'll impress anyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

A delicious and creamy shrimp dish with a hint of lemon and garlic, served over pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your choice of pasta

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix until well combined, heating through for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword creamy, garlic, lemon, pasta, shrimp