Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce served over fluffy rice makes 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: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), freshly grated parmesan, and lemon juice if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the creamy garlic sauce and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp and sauce over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts best, so grate it just before adding to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick. It’s best to store shrimp separate from rice to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.

Is it necessary to use parmesan cheese?

Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce, but you can omit it or substitute with another hard cheese if needed.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 340 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender shrimp seared in butter and tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with parmesan. Served over warm rice and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, it’s a perfect dinner option that combines savory, creamy, and zesty flavors in every bite.

• Author: Nora
• 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

Main 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. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika ensuring an even coat of spices on all shrimp.
2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese along with the optional lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally to combine flavors thoroughly.
5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and meld flavors.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

• Use shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease and best texture.
• Adjust seasoning and garlic amount based on preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Any type of cooked rice works well, including white, brown, or cauliflower rice for lower carbs.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

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