Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: A Rich, Comforting Meal Ready in Minutes

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a satisfying, restaurant-style dish that delivers bold flavour with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with cream, and served over fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of the silky sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting yet elegant on the table quickly. I often prepare this dish when I want a dependable meal that feels indulgent without requiring complicated steps. The garlic butter creates a deep savoury base, while the cream softens and rounds out the flavours beautifully. Served over rice, it becomes a complete, filling meal that appeals to both seafood lovers and anyone craving a creamy, comforting dinner. Simple, rich, and incredibly satisfying, this dish is always a reliable choice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, flavour-packed, and made with simple ingredients. It comes together in one pan, pairs perfectly with rice, and delivers a creamy sauce that feels luxurious without being heavy. It is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and remain juicy, making them perfect for creamy sauces.

Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and classic flavour.

Garlic
Garlic provides bold aroma and savoury depth that defines the dish.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the smooth, velvety texture of the sauce.

Chicken Broth
Chicken broth adds flavour and helps balance the richness of the cream.

Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce slightly and adds savoury depth.

Olive Oil
Olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while cooking the shrimp.

Salt
Salt enhances all the flavours in the dish.

Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance.

Paprika
Paprika adds subtle heat and colour.

Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning brings mild herbal notes that complement the cream sauce.

Cooked Rice
Rice serves as the base, absorbing the creamy sauce and completing the meal.

Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley adds colour and freshness before serving.

Directions

Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce.
Serve the creamy shrimp over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately four people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is easy to adapt. For extra richness, a small amount of cream cheese can be added to the sauce. I have also prepared this dish with mushrooms or spinach stirred in at the end, which added texture and colour without overpowering the shrimp.
If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can replace heavy cream. For a spicier dish, red chilli flakes or cayenne pepper work very well. This recipe can also be served over pasta or mashed potatoes instead of rice, making it versatile while maintaining its creamy appeal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish provides protein from shrimp, carbohydrates from rice, and fats from butter and cream. Using reduced-fat cream and moderating portion size can help balance richness. It is naturally low in carbohydrates aside from the rice.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do Not Overcook Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.

Simmer Gently
Low heat keeps the cream sauce smooth and prevents separation.

Season in Layers
Season shrimp and sauce separately for best flavour balance.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

What size shrimp works best?

Medium to large shrimp are ideal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but spice can be added easily.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.

What rice works best?

White rice or jasmine rice pairs very well.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli work well.

Does this freeze well?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

Can I serve this with pasta?

Yes, pasta is an excellent alternative to rice.

What garnish works best?

Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a comforting, flavour-rich dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and quick preparation. With its silky sauce, tender shrimp, and satisfying base of rice, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Easy, reliable, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is one you will want to keep in regular rotation.

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