If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with bright, vibrant flavors, look no further than this Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi. This recipe perfectly combines pillowy gnocchi, succulent shrimp, and a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce to create a meal that’s nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is straightforward, quick, and packed with flavor. Dive in for a taste experience that’s rich, zesty, and utterly satisfying.
Reasons to Love Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
- Comforting yet Light: Creamy sauce meets fresh lemon zing for a balance that never feels heavy.
- Gnocchi Magic: Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up the sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight.
- Protein-Packed: Shrimp adds a healthy dose of lean protein, perfect for a well-rounded meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies to suit your mood.
The Essentials
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or frozen, thawed before cooking.
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade works great here.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing shrimp and garlic to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic base that brings everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and shrimp.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to elevate the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds color and a fresh herbal finish.
- Parmesan cheese, for serving: Optional but highly recommended for an extra savory touch.
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Large skillet: For sautéing shrimp and preparing the sauce.
- Medium pot: To boil gnocchi.
- Garlic press or knife: For mincing garlic finely.
- Citrus zester or grater: To zest the lemon perfectly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To keep ingredient portions precise.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked gnocchi and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Dietary Customizations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a similar texture without dairy.
- Low-Carb: Swap gnocchi for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Mild Heat: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes if you prefer less spice.
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh basil, thyme, or dill for different herbal notes.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi recipe is inspired by the desire to merge rich comfort food with a fresh, bright profile. The secret to success lies in balancing the creaminess of the sauce with the zing of fresh lemon. Using gnocchi instead of traditional pasta makes the dish feel indulgently soft and unique, while the shrimp offers a quick-cooking protein that complements the flavors perfectly.
When cooking the shrimp, be careful not to overcook as they can become rubbery. Also, the sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the cream sauce and gnocchi texture may change upon thawing.
Reader Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi are perfect for convenience, but fresh or homemade gnocchi add an extra layer of homemade goodness if you have the time.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Chicken breast or tofu are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Bring It to the Table
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to wow your family or guests. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly, perfect for any occasion where you want something delicious, comforting, and bright.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, savory, and a little spicy, all wrapped in tender gnocchi and juicy shrimp. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Share on Pinterest
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve fresh for best consistency.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream if needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level according to preference.
