Some meals don’t need to be complicated to feel comforting, and this shrimp bowl proves it. Juicy garlic butter shrimp get tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, then spooned over warm rice that soaks up every last bit of flavor. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in about 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan turn shrimp into something special.
- Ready in 25 minutes. A fast, satisfying dinner for busy nights.
- Rice makes it a full meal. No extra sides required, the sauce-soaked rice does all the work.
- Adjustable heat. Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes are optional, so you can make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Rice
1. Season the shrimp. Season the shrimp with paprika, Cajun seasoning if using, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the shrimp. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Coat the shrimp. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Serve over rice. Spoon the cooked white rice into bowls, top with the creamy garlic shrimp, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first step. They’ll go back into the sauce briefly at the end, so 1 to 2 minutes per side is enough.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce; it melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cook the rice ahead of time so it’s warm and ready the moment the shrimp and sauce come together.
- Adjust the spice level to taste by including or leaving out the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple steamed vegetable or a light green salad rounds things out nicely if you want something fresh on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well here. Just keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so plan ahead if starting from scratch.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich than with heavy cream.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear nicely instead of releasing excess water into the pan.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the shrimp with paprika, Cajun seasoning if using, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Spoon the cooked white rice into bowls, top with the creamy garlic shrimp, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.
