Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Rice Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic butter shrimp dish is a quick and flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with tender white rice. Packed with rich, garlicky sauce and a hint of spice, it’s an easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups water or chicken broth, salt, and 1 tbsp butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
2. Step 2: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and ½ tsp red pepper flakes if using. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat well, and heat through.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier taste.
• Try adding a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for added color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.

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. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit or replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 647 reviews

This easy creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Served over tender long-grain white rice, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Sauce

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, optional, for garnish

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups of water or chicken broth, a pinch of salt, and 1 tbsp butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered to steam.
2. Season the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, season 1 lb of peeled and deveined large shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp paprika for a flavorful base.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate rich flavors into the sauce.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly over 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
7. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and, if desired, ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce to coat. Heat through for about 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve: Plate the creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm cooked rice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish if you like.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for cooking rice to add more flavor.
• To make the dish dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• You can substitute shrimp with scallops or firm white fish if preferred.

Keywords: creamy garlic butter shrimp, shrimp and rice recipe, quick shrimp dinner, easy seafood recipes, garlic butter shrimp