Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to absolutely love this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice. This recipe brings together juicy, perfectly seared shrimp swimming in a luscious, garlicky butter and cream sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice that soaks up every last bit of flavor. It’s rich but balanced, elegantly comforting, and surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing loved ones, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice truly starts with its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—seasoning the shrimp just right, building a sauce that is rich yet silky, and making sure the rice complements every bite perfectly.

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural taste of the shrimp.
• 1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for searing the shrimp to a golden finish without burning.
• 3 tbsp butter: The base of our garlic butter sauce that creates unmatched creaminess.
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides that unmistakable punch and aroma.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Balances richness with a light savory note.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens up the dish.
• 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice: The perfect soft and fluffy base to soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning mix not only enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness but also introduces a subtle smoky flavor from the paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the shrimp for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. The quick sear locks in the juiciness and creates a lovely texture.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add extra flavor), melt the butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not brown, releasing a rich garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen. This step is critical for building a deeply flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Cream and Broth

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken while developing a silky texture. The chicken broth lightens the richness of the cream, creating a perfect balance that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Return Shrimp

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes into your sauce. The Parmesan melts into the cream, giving the sauce a wonderful nutty complexity and helping it thicken further. Return the shrimp to the pan and simmer everything together for another 2 minutes so each shrimp gets perfectly coated and infused with that irresistible garlic butter cream.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Finally, spoon your creamy garlic butter shrimp generously over warm, fluffy cooked rice. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking in all those luscious sauce dribbles with every bite. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top for that final scenic and flavorful touch.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of bright, fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, consider lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a lively citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with garlic and butter.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to add some veggies for texture and nutrition, steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach folded into the sauce adds a lovely verdant touch. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette also helps balance the meal’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this shrimp and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside freshly cooked pasta for a change of pace. You can also spoon the shrimp and sauce atop crusty bread for a rustic, indulgent seafood appetizer that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner option when you’re short on time.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, the cream sauce’s texture might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store shrimp and rice separately from the sauce for best results, and use within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore the silky consistency. Microwave reheating works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture and maintain a nice sear.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream or butter?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan butter or olive oil instead. The flavor will be different but still deliciously rich.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Certainly! Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you enjoy some heat with your creamy garlic butter shrimp.

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Fluffy white rice like jasmine or basmati works beautifully because it soaks up the sauce wonderfully without overpowering the shrimp’s flavor.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?

You can make the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it when ready to serve, but keep the shrimp separate to avoid overcooking them during storage.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice a try—it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent and special but comes together with surprising ease. The comforting cream, the buttery garlic punch, and the tender shrimp all wrapped around a cozy bed of rice make this dish an instant favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites around your table.