Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp seared in butter and garlic, simmered in a rich creamy parmesan sauce, and served over your choice of warm rice. This comforting meal combines savory, garlicky goodness with a hint of lemon, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Season Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss well to evenly coat all the shrimp with the seasoning.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the skillet with the garlic. Add the optional lemon juice if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce, ensuring each shrimp is well coated. Cook together for 1–2 more minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp and sauce over warm cooked rice of your choice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb or keto-friendly option.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp as they become tough and rubbery if cooked too long.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the creamy sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds more authentic flavor than pre-grated versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, creamy shrimp recipe, shrimp with rice, easy shrimp dinner, creamy garlic shrimp, butter garlic sauce shrimp
