Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp

Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a special dinner yet is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. With juicy shrimp nestled in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce infused with fresh basil and plenty of Parmesan, it’s a comforting, indulgent meal that delivers big flavors in no time. Whether you’re planning to impress someone special or just craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this recipe is a winner.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can serve it over a bed of pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce, spoon it over a bowl of fluffy rice, or pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. The creamy sauce, with the perfect blend of garlic, Parmesan, and basil, is rich and flavorful, yet not too heavy. It’s a dish that’s hard to resist, especially with the aromatic combination of garlic and fresh herbs filling your kitchen.

I love how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for those nights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp cook up tender and juicy, absorbing all the savory goodness of the sauce. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top for a finishing touch, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to delight anyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons why you’ll love Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The Parmesan and cream create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, basil, and Parmesan bring a blend of rich and fresh flavors to every bite.
• Quick to Prepare: This dish can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Perfect for Pasta: Pairs beautifully with any pasta, adding a touch of elegance to a simple dish.
• Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and mild flavor make this dish appealing to kids.
• Great for Entertaining: It’s an impressive dish that will wow guests at dinner parties or gatherings.
• Customizable: Add more herbs, spices, or vegetables to suit your taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: The basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal.
• Comforting and Indulgent: A perfect dish to enjoy when you crave something rich and satisfying.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 26g, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 27g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Basil: Adds a refreshing, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, savory taste to the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely.
2. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Stir in Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season and Add Basil: Stir in the fresh basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Shrimp with Sauce

1. Return Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
2. Simmer: Let the shrimp and sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

Here are some serving suggestions for Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

• Over Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
• With Crusty Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Over Rice: Serve over steamed rice for a comforting meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce complements the smooth texture of mashed potatoes.
• As a Topping for Polenta: Spoon over creamy polenta for a unique twist.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light and balanced meal.
• As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer for a multi-course meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be great sides.
• With a Glass of White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with this dish.
• Over Zoodles: For a lower-carb option, serve over spiralized zucchini noodles.

Additional Tips

Maximize your cooking success with these helpful tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil gives the dish the best flavor; avoid dried basil if possible.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor to the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of extra cream or broth to thin it out.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, while the sauce is creamy and the shrimp are tender.
• Use Large Shrimp: Larger shrimp tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• Add Lemon Zest: For extra citrus flavor, add some lemon zest along with the juice.
• Store Leftovers Carefully: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the sauce may thicken upon reheating.

Recipe Variations

Try these creative variations for your Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves during the last minute of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Tomato-Basil Shrimp: Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
• Spicy Shrimp: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: Add extra garlic and lemon juice for a more citrusy flavor.
• Cajun Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a Southern twist.
• Bacon Shrimp: Cook bacon in the skillet first and use the bacon fat instead of olive oil.
• Creamy Pesto Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of pesto to the sauce for a delicious basil and garlic flavor.
• Cheesy Shrimp Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for a cheesy crust.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Use garlic butter instead of regular butter for extra garlic flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Keep your Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp fresh with these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Special Equipment

Here are some essential tools you’ll need to prepare Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

• Large Nonstick Skillet: Ensures even cooking of shrimp and prevents sticking, making cleanup easier and helping the sauce develop rich flavors.
• Microplane Grater: Perfect for finely grating Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• Garlic Press: Easily minces garlic for a more flavorful dish, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce without large chunks.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps, blending the ingredients thoroughly and incorporating air for a light texture.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping the skillet, ensuring all the flavorful bits are mixed into the sauce and preventing burning.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping shrimp while cooking, allowing for precise control and even browning on both sides.
• Zester: Adds a hint of lemon zest for extra flavor, brightening the dish with a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: Strains any impurities from the sauce for a silky texture, making it especially smooth and professional-looking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements of ingredients, helping maintain the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce.
• Serving Bowl: To present the dish attractively when ready to serve, enhancing the dining experience with a visually appealing presentation.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp:

• Can I use frozen shrimp?
  Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Can I make this dish dairy-free?
  Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
• Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
  Yes, sliced chicken breast works well; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil?
  Use dried basil, but fresh basil adds the best flavor.
• How can I thicken the sauce?
  Simmer for a few more minutes or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Print

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings the flavors of a restaurant-quality meal right into your kitchen. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and the fragrant touch of fresh basil creates a harmonious blend that’s perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe can be served over pasta, rice, or even paired with a side of crusty bread for dipping, making it a flexible option for dinner.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal, this dish delivers both flavor and elegance. The easy preparation process ensures you can enjoy a gourmet experience at home without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the recipe allows for adjustments, such as adding a hint of lemon for brightness or including your favorite vegetables for extra texture.

Serve the Creamy Parmesan Basil Shrimp warm, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves for that finishing touch. I’d love to see how your dish turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation come to life!