Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

This creamy garlic butter shrimp rice combines succulent seafood and aromatic rice in a rich, velvety sauce.

Quick Answer: Make creamy garlic butter shrimp rice by sautéing shrimp in garlic butter, then combining with perfectly cooked rice and a luxurious cream sauce. The entire dish comes together in about 45 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Contains shellfish, dairy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy sauce with perfectly seasoned shrimp
One-pan preparation for easy cleanup
Versatile recipe that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Budget-friendly way to serve seafood
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day

Quick Benefits

Creamy garlic butter shrimp rice delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a home-cooked meal. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates an irresistible dish that’s both satisfying and impressive.

Ingredients

500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
200 ml heavy cream
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
300 g cooked white rice

Instructions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and allow the mixture to thicken slightly over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the mixture and combine gently.
Plate the shrimp and garlic butter sauce over the cooked white rice. Serve immediately.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be just pink and opaque
Sauce should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick
Season at each step for best flavor development
Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from breaking
Check for shellfish allergies before serving to guests

Serving Suggestions

Steamed asparagus or broccoli
Crusty garlic bread
Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio

Creative Variations

Swap shrimp for scallops for an elegant twist
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami
Use brown rice for added nutrition
Include spinach or peas for color and vegetables

Cultural Notes

This fusion dish combines elements of Italian cream sauces with American seafood preparations. The combination of seafood and rice appears in many coastal cuisines worldwide, from Spanish paella to Southern shrimp and rice.

Pro Tips

Bloom garlic in butter for maximum flavor
Use freshly grated parmesan, not pre-grated
Reserve some pasta water to thin sauce if needed
Toast rice briefly before cooking for nuttier flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic butter shrimp rice?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute coconut cream and omit cheese for a dairy-free version.

Q: What size shrimp works best?
A: 16-20 count (large) shrimp are ideal.

Q: Can I use basmati rice?
A: Yes, any long-grain rice works well.

Health Benefits

While creamy garlic butter shrimp rice is indulgent, it provides lean protein from shrimp and can be made lighter by using half-and-half instead of cream. Shrimp offers omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals, while garlic provides immune-boosting compounds.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 28g • Fat: 32g • Sodium: 890mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.