Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. This meal combines tender shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce served over warm rice, making it both satisfying and comforting. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings.
- One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Rich flavors: The creamy garlic butter sauce elevates simple shrimp to gourmet status.
- Versatile options: Enjoy with different types of rice or even cauliflower rice for variety.
- Crowd-pleaser: A delicious dish that appeals to shrimp lovers and comfort food fans alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect sear on the shrimp.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavors in your dish.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of garlic and garnishes.
- Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation, making the process easier and more organized.
Ingredients
Tender shrimp in a creamy garlic butter parmesan sauce, served over warm rice for a quick, comforting one-pan dinner.
For the Shrimp
- 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
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step enhances the flavor of your seafood.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Sear the seasoned shrimp in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until they turn pink. This should take about 2–3 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them from the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half), freshly grated parmesan, and optional lemon juice. Simmer this mixture until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Return the seared shrimp to the pan and toss them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onion as desired. Enjoy this delightful one-pan meal!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
Serving Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is all about enhancing the experience with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to present this dish for a complete dining experience.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor and crunch.
Serving Bowls
- Deep Plates: Use deep plates or bowls to hold the creamy sauce well and make it easy to scoop with rice.
- Warmed Dishes: Pre-warming your serving dishes keeps the meal hot longer, adding comfort to each bite.
Accompanying Sauces
- Chili Sauce: A drizzle of chili sauce can add a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy zing when squeezed over shrimp.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
To achieve the perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Bold seasoning: Season your shrimp well before cooking. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Controlled heat: Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for a quick sear, ensuring they don’t overcook and become rubbery.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan for richer flavors in your sauce.
- Simmer gently: When combining cream and cheese, simmer gently to prevent curdling while achieving a creamy texture.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or more cream for desired consistency.
- Mix in veggies: Consider adding spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice can elevate your meal. Here’s a list of fantastic side options to complement this dish perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a nutritious crunch, balancing the richness of the shrimp.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter makes for a perfect vessel to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy shrimp.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender provide an elegant touch to your plate.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini noodles serve as a low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds texture and sweetness, making it a fun side dish for everyone at the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, especially with a delicious recipe like Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Incorrect shrimp preparation: Always ensure shrimp are fully peeled and deveined before cooking. This saves time and enhances the dish’s presentation.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; avoid leaving them in the pan for too long. Cook only until they turn pink and opaque, generally 2-3 minutes per side.
- Neglecting seasoning: Proper seasoning is key! Don’t skip adding salt, pepper, and paprika to the shrimp before cooking to enhance their flavor.
- Using cold ingredients: For a smooth sauce, make sure your cream or half-and-half is at room temperature before adding it to the pan. This helps prevent curdling.
- Skipping garnishes: Fresh parsley or green onion adds color and freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some on top before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Quick and Comforting One-Pan Meal
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure they are thawed properly before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning the shrimp to increase the heat level.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the parmesan cheese.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is not just quick but also comforting. This one-pan meal offers versatility; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Give it a try today!
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice, a quick and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week. This dish features tender shrimp enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce served over fluffy rice, delivering a delightful blend of flavors that will impress family and friends alike. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy schedules or cozy gatherings. Customize with your favorite rice or add vegetables for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 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 freshly grated parmesan
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink; remove from skillet.
- Lower the heat and add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, toss in the sauce, and cook for an additional minute until heated through.
- Serve over warm rice and garnish with parsley or green onion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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