One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp

Name: One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; Juice of 1 lemon; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort | Best Home Food

I absolutely love this One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp recipe! It combines the freshness of lemon with succulent shrimp, creating a delightful dish that's both easy and elegant. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but also special enough for entertaining. The creamy sauce coats the shrimp beautifully and is delicious served over pasta or rice. Plus, since it's all made in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. A quick squeeze of lemon at the end elevates the flavors, making every bite refreshingly irresistible.

Created by

The Yasminscookbook Team

Last updated on 2026-02-24T18:42:18.916Z

When I first created this One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp dish, I wanted something that could impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of using just one pan makes this meal not only easy to prepare but also leaves me with minimal cleanup afterward. I found that the secret to the creamy sauce is a combination of cream cheese and chicken broth, creating a rich texture that marries perfectly with the bright lemon flavor.

To add a bit of depth to the dish, I like to sauté garlic before introducing the shrimp. This ensures that the shrimp soak up all that aromatic goodness while they cook. Finishing off the dish with fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice elevates the flavor, making every bite a celebration of freshness and creaminess. I guarantee this will become a weeknight favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bright, zesty flavor from fresh lemon juice
Creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with shrimp
Quick and easy, perfect for busy nights

Perfecting the Shrimp

Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for this dish. Opt for large shrimp, ideally 16-20 count per pound, as they give the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking to avoid excess water in your dish. A quick method is to place them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes to speed up the thawing process.

When sautéing the shrimp, keep an eye on their color and texture. They should turn a vibrant pink and opaque within 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking; shrimp can quickly become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. If you're unsure, you can cut one shrimp in half to check for doneness; it should be just opaque throughout.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is enriched by cream cheese, which provides a rich texture and balances the bright acidity of the lemon. It’s important to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This prevents clumping and ensures it blends smoothly into the sauce—no one wants a lumpy sauce for their shrimp!

Adjust the thickness of your sauce by controlling the amount of chicken broth you add. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can start with 3/4 cup of broth and gradually add more if needed. The key is to maintain an even simmer; this allows the flavors to meld nicely without reducing too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp is incredibly versatile. While serving it over pasta or rice is a fantastic choice, consider accompanying it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. The creamy sauce complements sautéed spinach or asparagus wonderfully, adding an extra layer of nutrition and flavor.

For a twist, you can also incorporate other herbs such as basil or thyme to enhance the freshness of the dish. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or rice, such as orzo or jasmine rice, to tailor the dish to your preference.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy over pasta or rice!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add some spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. They can be tossed in the skillet just before adding the shrimp back.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy evenings. You can clean and devein the shrimp, chop the garlic and parsley, and even prepare the creamy sauce up to a day in advance. Just store everything in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the shrimp and combine with the sauce; it’ll save you crucial time during dinner prep.

If you're looking to prep even further, consider making a double batch of the creamy sauce and freezing it in ice cube trays. This way, you can pop out just the right amount to use whenever you want a quick and luxurious meal. Just thaw the cubes in the fridge overnight or via a quick bath in warm water when you're ready to use them.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this One Pan Creamy Lemon Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat; this prevents the shrimp from becoming tough. You can add a splash more chicken broth or a bit of cream cheese to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken upon cooling.

Freezing is an option, too, but it’s important to note that the shrimp may not retain the same texture after thawing. If freezing, consider storing the sauce and shrimp separately, which allows you to enjoy fresher flavors when reheating. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop for a quick meal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a little more chicken broth or a splash of pasta water if you’re serving it over pasta. This will help achieve the desired creamy consistency without losing flavor. For a sauce that is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

If you find that your shrimp have released too much water during cooking, increase the heat slightly to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. This will concentrate the flavors in your dish. Remember not to rush the heat; moderate flames generally yield more tender shrimp and flavorful sauces.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for the best results.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream alternative and use vegetable broth.