When life gets busy, and you’re craving something delicious, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of creamy garlic butter shrimp served over rice. I stumbled upon this recipe a while back, and it quickly became one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s simple yet feels incredibly indulgent, and the best part? It takes hardly any time to whip up. The magic happens in a single skillet, which means less fuss and more flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This creamy garlic butter shrimp is the epitome of quick comfort food. Perfect for those hectic weeknights or even a cozy date night, it impresses without requiring culinary wizardry. The dish is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly and kid-approved. Think about it: succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and fluffy rice – it’s a combination that simply speaks to the heart.
"I made this for dinner last night, and my kids couldn’t get enough! We had seconds, and they were asking for it again next week!" – A loyal fan of creamy garlic butter shrimp.
The moment you serve this dish, your kitchen will fill with inviting aromas, coaxing everyone to gather for the meal. It’s an easy way to bring joy to your table, on any occasion.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making creamy garlic butter shrimp is straightforward and rewarding. This recipe combines the lusciousness of butter with the vibrant garlic flavor, making the shrimp taste phenomenal. You’ll have tender, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a velvety sauce that will have you dreaming of tropical shores – all in just a few steps. Here’s a quick overview of how this dish comes together:
- Start by cooking your rice to fluffy perfection.
- Sauté the shrimp until they’re just right.
- Create a rich garlic butter sauce that rounds it all out.
- Combine everything together and serve.
With this breakdown in mind, let’s look at what you’ll need.
Gather These Items
Here’s your shopping list for this delightful dish:
- 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 additional chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter for the rice
Feel free to swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit. It’s all about flexibility in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine your rice, 2 cups of water or broth, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes until tender and all liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat but keep it covered to let it steam a bit more.
Season the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, season the shrimp with a good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer – don’t crowd them! Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat in the same skillet to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom – that’s flavor right there!
Create the Creamy Base: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, watching as the sauce thickens slightly over the next 3–5 minutes. It should become luscious and inviting.
Finishing Touches: Add lemon juice (the brightness is key!) and optional red pepper flakes for a little kick. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in that beautiful sauce.
Serve It Up: Serve your creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm rice, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you wish.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Plating is essential here! Serve the shrimp generously over the rice, allowing that creamy sauce to cascade over the grains. You might want to add a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh twist when digging in. Pair it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread to soak up every drop of that sauce – trust me, you wouldn’t want any of it going to waste!
How to Store & Freeze
If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt after serving this!), here’s how to keep them fresh. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating gently in a skillet over low heat is the way to go. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to revive that creamy texture.
If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend sealing them in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just remember to label them!
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is key! They cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re opaque.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: Use minced fresh garlic for maximum flavor; jarred garlic just doesn’t compare.
- Make It Your Own: Consider adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for some color and nutrition. Just toss them in with the garlic for a few minutes to soften before adding the broth.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch up this recipe:
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil or chives can provide a lovely twist on the classic flavors.
- Spice It Up: Replace the red pepper flakes with a dash of cayenne for a little more heat.
- Citrus Flavor: Infusing the sauce with lime juice instead of lemon can give a fresh zing that’s delightful.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth instead, or even water in a pinch. Just remember to season it well.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half or a low-fat option, and reduce the butter if needed.
So, there you have it! This creamy garlic butter shrimp over rice is not only a breeze to make but also a dish that dazzles with flavor and comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and see the smiles it brings to your table!
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine your rice, 2 cups of water or broth, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes until tender and all liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat but keep it covered to let it steam.
- While the rice cooks, 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 they’re pink and opaque. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat in the same skillet to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly over the next 3–5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes, then return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm rice, garnished with parsley if desired.