Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over your choice of rice for a satisfying meal.

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 with salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sear until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), grated parmesan, 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 skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
• For extra flavor, toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach with the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Keep rice separate if possible and reheat it separately for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Any cooked rice works great—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Choose based on your preference.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Succulent shrimp are seasoned and seared in butter, then simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with parmesan cheese. Served over warm rice and garnished with fresh parsley or green onion, this dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying seafood dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

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

Sauce

• 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)

Serving

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

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Instructions

1. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika to evenly coat, preparing them for searing.
2. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), freshly grated parmesan cheese, and lemon juice if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Cook together for 1 to 2 additional minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
6. Serve: Spoon the shrimp and creamy sauce over warm cooked rice of your choice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion and serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
• Using cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option.
• Adjust the garlic amount for more or less pungency.
• Freshly grated parmesan will melt better and create a smoother sauce than pre-grated.
• For extra flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added when sautéing the garlic.
• Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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