Easy Shrimp And Rice Recipes: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Ever found yourself craving something creamy and garlicky that pairs perfectly with tender shrimp? Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp might just be your new obsession! This one-pan wonder is not only quick to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor and absolutely drool-worthy. Who doesn’t love a dish that leaves your kitchen looking spick and span too? Let’s get down to business!

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re on the fence about cooking tonight, let me give you a nudge. Here’s why you’ll love this shrimp and rice recipe:

• Quick Cleanup: Who has time to wash a mountain of dishes? This is a one-pan meal, so you can enjoy your dinner and not dread the cleanup!
• Budget-Friendly: Shrimp isn’t just for fancy restaurants. You can make a delicious meal at home without breaking the bank.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will swoon over the creamy goodness! It’s a dish that even picky eaters can’t resist.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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

Directions

Let’s make some creamy magic happen!

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 the 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 the 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 Make Easy Shrimp And Rice Recipes: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast (Overview)

This recipe is like a conversation with a friend: laid-back and full of flavor! You’ll first get your rice cooking while you sauté the shrimp. Then, without even washing the skillet, you whip up a dreamy sauce that clings to the shrimp. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! Combine everything, and voila — you’re ready to dig in.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp And Rice Recipes: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Serve this creamy garlic butter shrimp atop a fluffy bed of rice. You’ll get the gorgeous contrast of colors, with the pink shrimp and rich, creamy sauce! For some crunch, sprinkle on a few fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs. The aroma? Pure bliss, like a hug for your senses!

How to Store Easy Shrimp And Rice Recipes: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish keeps in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to make ahead, prepare the shrimp and sauce, and cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Tips to Make Easy Shrimp And Rice Recipes: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Here are some insider tricks to elevate your dish:

• Timing: Make sure the rice is done before you start the shrimp and sauce. It’ll keep everything warm and ready to serve.
• Ingredient Swaps: You can use cauliflower rice to make it low-carb, or swap the shrimp for chicken if you prefer.
• Texture Tips: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Your waistline will thank you!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Add a spoonful of coconut milk for a tropical twist, or throw in some spinach or other greens for extra nutrition. You could even swap shrimp out for tofu to make it vegan!

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just thaw them first or increase cooking time slightly.
• What if I don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works perfectly if you want a lighter flavor.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, then reheat and serve over freshly cooked rice.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce served over rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp

• 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) for added heat
• 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
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Method

 

Cook the Rice

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.

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. 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 the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

1. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
2. Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Timing is important: make sure the rice is done before you start the shrimp and sauce for the best serving experience.