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

Crafting a perfect shrimp and rice dish is about more than just cooking—it’s about creating a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. The first time I made creamy garlic butter shrimp, I discovered how simple ingredients could unite and transform into something extraordinary. This dish turned from merely a side note in family dinners to a staple I crave on busy weeknights.

The aroma of garlic mingling with the richness of butter fills the kitchen with anticipation. As the shrimp sizzles, turning from grey to a delightful pink, it brings back memories of vibrant meals shared with loved ones. Using just a few steps and minimal effort, this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe showcases how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.

Every spoonful of this dish reminds me of those cozy evenings spent gathering around the dining table. With the comforting texture of the rice soaking up the luscious garlic butter sauce, your taste buds will dance with joy. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, exploring how to make creamy garlic butter shrimp that even the busiest cooks can manage.

The Heart of Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Fundamentals

Creating a memorable dish often hinges on a few core elements, especially when it comes to shrimp and rice recipes. The shrimp, large and succulent, serve as the star of the show. Their quick cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully without losing their natural sweetness. Pair this with creamy sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, ensuring a rich coating that feels indulgent but is easy to replicate at home.

It’s essential to use fresh ingredients. Using fresh garlic and herbs elevates the dish, providing aromatic depth that dried products simply can’t match. The choice of long-grain white rice serves as a perfect canvas, absorbing flavors beautifully while providing a lovely texture.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation begins with the rice. Rinsing it under cold water helps remove excess starch, promoting a fluffy final result. Use a medium saucepan to combine the rice, water or chicken broth, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid, and letting it simmer. Watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Simultaneously, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika while the rice cooks. This simple seasoning allows the shrimp’s natural flavor to shine and pairs beautifully with the rich sauce to come. Heating olive oil in a large skillet sets the stage for cooking the shrimp perfectly.

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

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water or chicken broth, salt, and butter. Bring it to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered.
4. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
9. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes if desired. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
10. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

Mastering Shrimp and Rice

Technique

The key to perfect creamy garlic butter shrimp lies in the technique. Starting with shrimp, ensure you cook them just right. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their tender texture. Searing them quickly in oil gives a lovely brown crust while maintaining their juicy interior.

Next, when creating the sauce, be mindful of the heat. A medium heat allows the garlic to sauté without burning, enhancing the flavor without imparting a bitter note. The rich combination of cream and Parmesan should gently bubble to thicken rather than boil vigorously.

Tips/Tricks

Cooking shrimp doesn’t have to be intimidating. Always dry them before seasoning to ensure they sear properly. Use a large skillet, allowing the shrimp enough space to cook evenly.

Experimenting with the spice level can be fun. If you enjoy a kick, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. For a fresh touch, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to balance the richness of the sauce.

Elevating Your Dish

Perfecting Results

Achieving that luxurious creamy texture often comes down to timing and temperature. Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers and ensure it coats the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

If you find your shrimp are slightly overcooked, don’t worry. Tossing them in the sauce can help revive their flavor while masking any dryness. The luscious garlic butter sauce complements rice beautifully, soaking in to create an irresistible, rich dish.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, a light slurry of cornstarch and water can help. Mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water before adding it to the sauce will thicken it without altering the flavor.

For variations, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the final steps of cooking. They not only enhance the presentation but also add vibrant color and nutritional value to your dish.

Presentation and Enjoyment

Serving

When serving creamy garlic butter shrimp, presentation can elevate the dining experience. Scoop lush servings of rice onto plates and spoon the creamy shrimp mixture on top. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.

Consider serving it with lemon wedges on the side to allow guests to add a spritz of citrus for that extra zing. This attention to detail ensures your dish feels special, even on a weeknight.

Pairings/Storage

Pair this shrimp and rice dish with a crisp salad or lightly roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Sautéed greens like spinach or asparagus work especially well, adding freshness against the creamy richness.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Creating creamy garlic butter shrimp to serve over rice transforms a quick meal into a delightful culinary experience. The balance of flavors and textures leaves a lasting impression. Using simple, quality ingredients fosters the opportunity for delicious meals that bring loved ones together. This dish, quick enough for a weekday yet comforting enough for special occasions, makes it a staple in any kitchen. Embrace the beauty of home cooking and the joy of sharing meals you’ve crafted with love.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Seafood

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Description

A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp dish served over rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

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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, water or chicken broth, salt, and butter. Bring it to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered.
4. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
9. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes if desired. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
10. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the final cooking stages.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American/Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp, garlic butter, rice, easy recipes, weeknight meals