Shrimp with Cream Sauce

Instructions

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients and any necessary equipment. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. They will be added back to the sauce later.
6. Lower the heat to medium and pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Use a whisk to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan and incorporate them into the sauce.
7. Gradually add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream, whisking continuously to help the cheese melt and create a smooth sauce.
8. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine all the seasonings into the sauce.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
10. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are heated through.
11. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
12. Serve the shrimp with cream sauce immediately. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
13. For a little extra flavor, you can garnish the dish with more chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving.