Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce served over warm rice makes for a satisfying dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

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, pepper, and paprika evenly on all sides.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and lemon juice if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp and sauce over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap rice for pasta or cauliflower rice to suit your dietary preference.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess in 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 or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If needed, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce while reheating.

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 thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper searing.

Is it okay to prepare the sauce without lemon juice?

Absolutely. Lemon juice adds brightness but is optional. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful without it.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring succulent shrimp seared in garlic butter, tossed in a luscious creamy parmesan sauce, and served over warm rice. This recipe combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Seasoning

• 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

Instructions

1. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for balanced 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 until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 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 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), freshly grated parmesan cheese, and lemon juice if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
5. Return shrimp to sauce: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss gently to coat them well in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp and sauce over the cooked rice of your choice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting one-pan meal.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
• Adjust the paprika amount for more or less spice according to taste.
• Fresh parsley or green onion adds brightness; cilantro is a good alternative.
• Ensure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

Keywords: creamy garlic butter shrimp, shrimp with rice, one-pan shrimp recipe, easy shrimp dinner, quick shrimp meal, creamy shrimp sauce