Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe because it strikes such a perfect balance between indulgent, rich flavors and quick, fuss-free cooking. Whenever I want to impress friends or treat my family without spending hours in the kitchen, this is my go-to. The prawns stay tender and juicy while the garlicky, wine-enhanced cream sauce feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully for a weekday dinner or a special occasion because it’s versatile and pairs well with so many sides. What makes Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe truly special is the way the fresh parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, and the white wine brings out the best in the garlic, adding that subtle complexity. Trust me, once you try this one, it’ll become a fast favorite in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe plays a role in building those luscious layers of flavor, so it’s worthwhile to choose quality items where you can. I find that fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan really elevate the end result.

• Prawns (shrimp): Large peeled prawns work best to keep the texture juicy and make cooking easier.
• Garlic cloves: Using fresh garlic gives that punchy aroma and flavor no pre-minced alternative can match.
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps with marinating and adds a subtle fruity touch.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground will enhance the flavor without overpowering.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning at the right time, ensuring the prawns don’t dry out.
• Unsalted butter: Key for cooking the prawns and building that rich sauce base.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth — I usually use sauvignon blanc, but any dry variety works.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Low sodium stock keeps the sauce balanced.
• Heavy cream: Creates that silky, decadent mouthfeel that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Grate your own for melt-in-your-mouth goodness and avoid pre-grated varieties.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish and brightens the flavors.

Variations

I like to encourage you to make this Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe your own. It’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, and you’ll discover your favorite spin as you experiment.

• Adding chili flakes: I sometimes toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Substituting cream: To lighten things up, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, just expect a bit less richness.
• Using different herbs: Basil or tarragon work beautifully instead of parsley if you want a different herbal punch.
• Making it gluten-free: Ensure the stock you use is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free pasta or polenta for a totally gluten-free meal.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your peeled prawns with minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper in a bowl. I like to let them sit for about 20 minutes if I have time—it helps the garlic infuse beautifully without overpowering the shrimp. Just before cooking, stir in salt so it seasons evenly and prevents the prawns from drying out. This simple marinade really sets the stage for the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Prawns to Perfection

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add half of the prawns. Cook them for about one minute per side—just until they turn pink and opaque—then remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking. Repeat with the other half, and once done, remove any stray garlic bits left in the pan; we’ll use those in the sauce. The quick sear locks in juiciness and builds those beautiful golden bits, which are flavor gold.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce with White Wine

Next, melt butter in the skillet and add minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until lightly golden and fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine and crank the heat to high; this deglazes the pan, dissolving those tasty browned bits left from the prawns. Let it simmer until most of the wine evaporates and the sharp ‘winey’ smell mellows out (about one minute). Then add chicken or vegetable stock, allowing it to reduce until just a thin layer remains, concentrating the flavors.

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, simmering gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, stir through the freshly grated parmesan—this is what gives the sauce its creamy texture and nutty flavor. Toss your cooked prawns back in, taste for seasoning, and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a bright, herby note. I love serving this over creamy mashed potatoes or with a crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that sauce—you’ll want every drip. The balance of tender prawns, garlicky richness, and smooth parmesan sauce is truly irresistible!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I never skip a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top—it adds the perfect color contrast and fresh brightness to each bite. Sometimes I add a little twist of lemon zest or finely chopped chives for an extra pop of flavor without overpowering the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve with this dish are creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered pasta, which soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. Crusty bread also works wonders if you want something quick and comforting—perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate this dish over a bed of buttery risotto or creamy polenta—both add an extra layer of richness. You can also serve the prawns in little lettuce cups as a fun appetizer or spoon the saucy prawns over freshly toasted baguette slices for a casual, crowd-pleasing starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover prawns and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy within 3 days. The sauce thickens up when chilled, so I give it a gentle stir before reheating to restore that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe isn’t my first choice because cream-based sauces can separate after thawing, but if you do freeze it, freeze the prawns and sauce separately. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat while stirring to bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between. Adding a splash of cream or stock helps freshen up the sauce so it doesn’t dry out or split. Be careful not to overheat the prawns or they get rubbery fast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Prawns with Parmesan and White Wine Sauce Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen because it’s quick, full of flavor, and impresses without stress. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the way the rich sauce wraps around those tender prawns as much as my family and I do. Cooking this feels like a little celebration in your own home, and I promise, once you dive in, you’ll be making it time and time again.

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