Busy moms, we know your time is precious. Dinner can be a daily scramble, but with this Easy Shrimp and Rice recipe, you can put a comforting meal on the table in no time. Creamy garlic butter shrimp is not just delicious; it’s simple and quick, making it perfect for those hectic nights. Let’s dive in and see just how easy this can be.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This shrimp and rice dish checks all the boxes for family-friendly meals. First, it comes together in around 30 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. The creamy sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a comforting choice that everyone will enjoy. Plus, using straightforward ingredients minimizes prep, allowing you to whip up a tasty meal without a lot of fuss.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
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
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Easy Shrimp and Rice
A quick and comforting meal made with creamy garlic butter shrimp served over warm rice.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
This dish pairs well with fresh salad or steamed veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Pescatarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
How to Serve
This creamy garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with warm rice, but feel free to get creative. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also throw together some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth to rehydrate the sauce if needed.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
- Swap the Protein: You can replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the richness may vary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish tastes best fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance. Just reheat and toss with cooked rice before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Shrimp and Rice recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy dinner nights. It’s simple, comforting, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and save this recipe for your future meal planning. Happy cooking!
