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

Cooking with shrimp brings back memories of family gatherings where delicious aromas filled the air. Each dish tells a story, gathering friends and loved ones around the table. Shrimp boasts a unique charm, transforming a simple meal into something truly special. It’s quick to cook and full of flavor, making it a perfect ingredient for weeknight dinners.

Creamy garlic butter shrimp takes these qualities to another level. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in no time. Imagine the delight of a warm, creamy shrimp dish served over perfectly cooked rice. The combination is mouthwatering, and the best part is that anyone can make it.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make creamy garlic butter shrimp step by step. This recipe combines the freshness of shrimp with savory flavors, creating a delightful meal. With every bite, the creamy sauce and tender shrimp will create a delightful experience, making cooking feel effortless. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of easy shrimp and rice recipes.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Fundamentals

To master creamy garlic butter shrimp, start with understanding the foundational components. This dish mainly highlights the shrimp and the buttery garlic sauce that makes it sing. Fresh, high-quality shrimp enhances the flavor, while cream and Parmesan bring a luscious texture. The balance of spices including paprika and red pepper flakes adds depth and warmth.

Each step in the cooking process contributes to a wonderful combination of flavors. The olive oil and butter create a rich base, while garlic amplifies the zestiness. Learning to cook shrimp perfectly—just until it turns pink and opaque—ensures that this dish thrives on texture. The technique involves sautéing, simmering, and serving—each step plays a crucial role in the final result.

Preparation/setup

Start by gathering all the necessary equipment. You’ll need a medium saucepan for the rice and a large skillet for the shrimp. Efficient preparation sets the tone for a smooth cooking experience. Everything should flow effortlessly, so measuring out the ingredients ahead of time can help.

Prepare your rice first. It will serve as the bed for the creamy garlic butter shrimp. Use long-grain white rice for its texture and cooking qualities. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This step ensures fluffy rice that doesn’t stick together once cooked.

Ingredients

For this creamy garlic butter shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

• 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

To make the dish delightful, follow these simple instructions carefully.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth, salt to taste, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from the heat and let it sit covered.

2. While the rice cooks, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, ensuring they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. This layering of flavors is essential to developing the dish’s rich taste.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. This step adds even more flavor to your sauce.

5. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3–5 minutes.

6. Finish the dish by adding lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if desired). Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in that creamy, indulgent sauce. Ensure the shrimp is heated through before serving.

7. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, adding a touch of color and freshness.

Perfecting Your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Technique

Perfecting the creamy garlic butter shrimp lies in precise cooking. Overcooking shrimp leads to a rubbery texture, so keep a keen eye while sautéing. Once they take on a pink hue and an opaque color, remove them promptly. This retains their tender juiciness.

When creating the sauce, allow the cream to simmer but not boil. Boiling might curdle the cream, ruining the velvety consistency. Instead, let it thicken gently and embrace the flavors. Each ingredient plays a part in creating a beautiful, cohesive dish.

Tips/tricks

To elevate the meal, consider a few helpful tips.

• Fresh shrimp make a world of difference. If possible, use seafood from local markets.
• Prepping ingredients beforehand ensures your cooking process flows smoothly. Chop, season, and measure before you begin cooking.
• If you’re not a fan of heat, omit the red pepper flakes; otherwise, they add a delightful kick.

Experiment! Adjust amounts based on your preferences. A subtle twist here or there can personalize the dish to your liking.

Troubleshooting and Variations

Perfecting Results

For the best results, adjust the cooking time based on the heat level. If using a larger skillet, the shrimp may cook faster. Conversely, if using a lower heat, they may need more time. Always prioritize that beautiful pink and opaque finish.

If the sauce thickens too much, an easy fix involves adding a bit more chicken broth or cream. Continuously stir to keep the sauce smooth and flowing.

Troubleshooting/variations

In case shrimp becomes overcooked, don’t fret! You can salvage the dish with a generous amount of sauce, ensuring every bite remains enjoyable.

Feel free to add other vegetables to the recipe. Blanched asparagus or spinach complements the shrimp beautifully. Incorporate them in the sauce and allow them to simmer gently, soaking up all those fantastic flavors.

Serving and Storing

Serving/presentation

Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp hot directly over a bed of fluffy rice. The contrast between the rich sauce and the lightness of rice creates an inviting dish.

Consider plating it in a shallow bowl or plate, allowing the sauce to pool around the shrimp. Garnish with parsley for an added pop of color.

Pairings/storage

Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp with a crisp salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

To store leftovers, allow them to cool and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to retain the creamy texture as it warms up.

Creamy garlic butter shrimp transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. With this recipe, anyone can create a restaurant-quality meal in their kitchen. Whether for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish shines every time.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for creamy garlic butter shrimp served over fluffy rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water or chicken broth, salt to taste, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until tender.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, simmer until sauce thickens slightly (3–5 minutes).
6. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat and heat through.
7. Serve over warm rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the shrimp. Adjust ingredients according to personal taste, and consider adding vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: shrimp, garlic butter, creamy, easy dinner, seafood