Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a delicious and quick-to-prepare dish that combines tender, succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic herb butter sauce adds an irresistible creaminess that soaks into the rice, making every bite a decadent delight. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s sure to please any seafood lover. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a date night, this dish is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

For the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water), 1 tablespoon of butter, and salt to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed rice, stir well, and reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside, keeping the lid on to stay warm.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and basil. Mix well.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over a bed of warm rice.
4. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

COOKING NOTES

• Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp will also work well. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the cream reduce for a few more minutes to reach the desired consistency.
• A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavors of the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and cream.
• For a dairy-free version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan butter alternative.
• Adjust the garlic quantity based on your taste preference; this recipe is adaptable for garlic lovers who want an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for added freshness.
• A light side salad with a vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the dish.
• Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would complement the creamy flavors beautifully.
• For a spicy twist, drizzle a little hot sauce over the shrimp before serving.

TIPS

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
• Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
• To save time, use instant rice or pre-cooked frozen rice packets.
• Leftover shrimp and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over medium heat to avoid overcooking.
• For a more filling dish, add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet before adding the shrimp back in.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese you use are certified gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving; serves 4)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1050mg

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is an elegant yet simple meal that delivers a burst of flavors in every bite. The garlic herb butter sauce elevates this dish to a restaurant-quality experience right in the comfort of your own kitchen. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe makes an excellent choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. The savory garlic, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp pair beautifully with a fluffy rice base, making it a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

For the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water), 1 tablespoon of butter, and salt to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed rice, stir well, and reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside, keeping the lid on to stay warm.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and basil. Mix well.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over a bed of warm rice.
4. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Protein: 32g