Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick, comforting dish packed with rich flavors and tender shrimp. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines a luscious garlic butter sauce with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Season the shrimp evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp and sear until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them with the creamy sauce. Cook together for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan.
• Add fresh spinach or peas to the sauce for extra vegetables and color.
• Use shrimp tails-on for a more rustic presentation, but be sure to peel and devein beforehand.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of cream or water when reheating if the sauce is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What type of rice works best with this dish?

White or brown rice works well, but cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative. Just make sure the rice is cooked and warm before serving.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp seared in garlic butter, then simmered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Served over warm rice and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

To Serve

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
• Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika to evenly coat the shrimp with the seasonings for enhanced flavor.
2. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), freshly grated parmesan cheese, and optional lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and shrimp to reheat.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp and sauce over warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream substitutes.
• Add vegetables like spinach or peas to the sauce to increase the vegetable content and make the dish more nutritious.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: shrimp recipe, garlic butter shrimp, creamy shrimp, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, shrimp with rice