Easy Shrimp and Rice Recipes: How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Why Make This Recipe

This creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner. The combination of shrimp, creamy sauce, and rice creates a comforting meal full of flavor. You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes, and it’s sure to impress anyone at your table!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

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:

1. 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 the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. 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, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using), and return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
8. Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Serve this dish hot over the fluffy rice. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and makes the plate look beautiful. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

Leftover creamy garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can work well too. Just thaw them completely before cooking.
• Adjust the spice by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked shrimp; just reduce the cooking time in the skillet.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. They can be sautéed with the garlic before adding the broth and cream.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with scallops or even chunks of fish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you choose.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream as an alternative. The sauce may not be as thick but will still taste great.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the dish fresh, but you can cook the rice and make the sauce ahead of time. Just combine before serving.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe served over fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and 1 tbsp butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. 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, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using), return shrimp to the skillet, and toss to coat.
8. Serve over warm rice and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh shrimp. Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes as desired.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: shrimp, creamy, garlic, pasta, quick dinner