Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This one-pan dish is quick to prepare, and its simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor. The rich, creamy sauce paired with succulent shrimp and fluffy rice makes it a comforting favorite that the whole family will enjoy.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish
Directions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear shrimp in 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan.
- Lower the heat. Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cream, parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes more until heated through.
- Serve shrimp and sauce over warm rice. Garnish with parsley or green onion and enjoy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
To serve this dish, place a generous portion of rice on each plate and top it with the creamy garlic butter shrimp. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped green onion over the top for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
To store leftovers, let the shrimp and rice cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may change upon thawing. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Cooking them just until they turn pink ensures they’re tender.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more garlic for a bolder flavor or play with different herbs.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. These can add more flavor and nutrition. Additionally, switch up the rice type; cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained before using them in the recipe.
2. What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you can use any grated cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or even cheddar.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Just be aware that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce served over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear shrimp in 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan.
- Lower the heat. Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cream, parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes more until heated through.
- Serve shrimp and sauce over warm rice. Garnish with parsley or green onion and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure not to overcook the shrimp for the best texture. Customize with vegetables or different types of rice as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: shrimp, creamy, garlic, rice, one-pan meal, quick dinner