Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

There’s something warm and comforting about creamy garlic butter shrimp served over a bed of fluffy rice. This dish is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The tender shrimp in a rich sauce create a delightful meal that your family will love.

Why You Will Love This Shrimp and Rice Recipe

This shrimp and rice recipe is truly a winner. It’s simple to prepare and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The creamy garlic sauce adds a delicious richness without any fuss. Plus, it’s family-friendly, using everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

How to Make Shrimp and Rice

Making this dish is straightforward and perfect for beginners. You’ll start by preparing the rice, then cook the shrimp and make the creamy sauce in the same skillet. This easy cooking method keeps cleanup minimal while maximizing flavor and tenderness.

What You Need

• 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

Step-by-Step

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
8. Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve Shrimp and Rice

This creamy shrimp and rice dish is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh green salad. It pairs nicely with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. You could also serve it for a cozy family night in or impress your friends at a casual dinner gathering.

How to Store Shrimp and Rice

To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 2 months. When reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to preserve the creaminess of the sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure to dry the shrimp well before seasoning to get a nice sear.
• Adjust the level of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• If making ahead, cook everything except the rice and combine just before serving.
• Use broccoli or asparagus as a tasty side to add some veggies.
• You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Variations & Swaps

• For a burst of freshness, try adding some lemon zest right before serving.
• If you’re short on time, you can use frozen shrimp (just be sure to thaw them first).
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a unique twist.
• You can use brown rice instead of white for a heartier meal.
• If you like a bit of crunch, toss in some sliced bell peppers during the sauce cooking phase.

FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Prepare the rice fresh just before serving to ensure it’s fluffy and warm.

How do I freeze the leftovers?
To freeze, cool the shrimp and rice completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How should I reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over medium-low heat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Can I substitute the shrimp for something else?
Absolutely! You can use chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best side to serve with this dish?
A light salad or some steamed green beans perfectly complements the rich flavors of this dish. Crusty bread is also a great choice for dipping into the creamy sauce!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

A quick and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp and sauce

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

For the rice

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

Instructions

 

Preparation of Rice

• In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered.

Cooking the Shrimp

• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
• Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
• Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat.

Keyword Creamy Garlic Butter, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Quick Recipe, Shrimp and Rice