Irresistible Creamy Lemon Shrimp

Introduction

Bright, fast, and satisfying, this Creamy Lemon Shrimp recipe brings a zesty, silky sauce to tender large shrimp for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Perfect for spring and summer when lemons are at their peak, it delivers tang, garlic, and parmesan richness in under 30 minutes. Pair it with creamy sides like scalloped potatoes for an indulgent plate.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick cooking: large shrimp cook in minutes, so the dish is fast.
• Balanced flavors: lemon zest and slices cut through the rich parmesan cream for bright, fresh taste.
• Versatile: serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce ideal for lemon garlic shrimp and garlic butter shrimp fans.

Ingredients

A concise pantry-friendly list for 4 servings:

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter, 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half & half
• 1 lemon, sliced + zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and stir to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in half & half until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add lemon slices, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t overcook shrimp: remove them as soon as they turn pink to keep texture tender.
• For a thinner sauce, add 2–3 tablespoons of pasta water or chicken broth when whisking in the half & half.
• Variation: swap half & half for light cream for a richer finish, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Also try this alongside a bowl of creamy Hungarian mushroom soup for a cozy meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over linguine or rice, spoon extra sauce on top, and offer lemon wedges at the table. A simple green salad or steamed asparagus complements the dish without overpowering the lemon-parmesan flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

For another take on the same bright, cheesy flavors, check this Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe by Salt & Lavender for inspiration and plating ideas.

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