Dinner

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated; 1 tsp lemon juice (optional); 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower); Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish

ByHarper Ellington February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

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Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a quick, comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce served over warm rice makes for a satisfying and flavorful dinner in just 25 minutes.

A white plate with a smooth creamy orange sauce spread as the base layer, topped with a neat pile of white rice sprinkled with green herbs on the left side, and about ten shrimp arranged on the right side over the sauce, each shrimp orange-pink with a slight glossy texture and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season the shrimp evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan, and lemon juice if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm through.
Step 6: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a slight kick.
Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with less richness.
To keep the shrimp tender, avoid overcooking by removing them as soon as they turn pink.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce or overheating the shrimp. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white plate with a pile of white rice on the left side, finely sprinkled with green herbs. On the right side, there are about ten shrimp covered in a creamy orange sauce with herbs scattered on top. The sauce looks smooth and rich, coating the shrimp evenly. The shrimp are arranged in a loose cluster next to the rice, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure a good sear and to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

What type of rice works best with this dish?

Any cooked rice works well including white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Choose your favorite based on preference or dietary needs.