Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ruth’s Chris Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet is a luxurious yet approachable dish that delivers bold, steakhouse-quality flavor in just minutes. Tender shrimp are bathed in rich butter, fragrant garlic, and finished with savory Parmesan, creating a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how quickly it comes together while still tasting refined and polished. I enjoy preparing this skillet when I want something impressive but effortless, whether for a special dinner or an elevated weeknight meal. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. Served as an appetizer, over pasta, or alongside steak, this shrimp skillet is versatile, satisfying, and consistently crowd-pleasing.
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Ruth’s Chris Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet – Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich and indulgent shrimp skillet inspired by Ruth’s Chris, featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and finished with creamy Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the skillet.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp
Shrimp are the centerpiece of this dish. Large shrimp provide a juicy, meaty texture and cook quickly while absorbing the garlic butter flavors.
Unsalted butter
Butter creates the rich base of the sauce and carries the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used alongside butter to prevent burning and add subtle depth.
Garlic
Fresh garlic delivers bold aroma and savory intensity that defines this recipe.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds salty, nutty richness and thickens the sauce slightly as it melts.
Heavy cream
Cream softens the garlic and cheese, creating a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
Italian seasoning
This blend adds herbal warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt
Salt sharpens and balances all ingredients.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and depth.
Fresh parsley
Parsley provides freshness and a clean finish when sprinkled over the skillet.
Directions
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels and seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently. Add Italian seasoning and allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is about 10 minutes, and total time is around 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
This garlic Parmesan shrimp skillet adapts easily to different preferences. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. You can also include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the butter slightly and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. For a pasta-style meal, toss the finished shrimp and sauce with cooked fettuccine or linguine. Serving it over rice or alongside crusty bread works equally well for soaking up the rich sauce.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish while preserving its signature steakhouse-inspired flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 6 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use dry shrimp
Patting shrimp dry ensures proper searing and better flavor.
Do not overcook
Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink.
Add cheese off heat
Lower heat prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
Serve immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, you can omit the cream for a lighter garlic butter shrimp.
What Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add wine?
A small splash of white wine can be added before the cream for extra depth.
What pairs well with this dish?
Steak, pasta, rice, or crusty bread pair exceptionally well.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skillet is a rich, elegant recipe that brings steakhouse-quality flavor into your home kitchen. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it is perfect for both special occasions and elevated everyday meals.
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