One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant, 30-minute one-pan meal. Succulent, perfectly seared shrimp are bathed in a luxurious, velvet-smooth garlic parmesan cream sauce, served over a bed of buttery, fluffy rice. The perfect marriage of fresh lemon brightness, savory garlic, and rich cream, this dish brings high-end restaurant quality to your table with minimal cleanup. It is the ultimate comforting yet sophisticated dish for busy families or a cozy date night.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
1.5 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp butter for rice
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
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Rinse rice thoroughly and bring 3 cups water or broth and 1 tbsp butter to a boil in a medium pot. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
While rice cooks, season peeled shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add the shrimp back into the sauce, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve the shrimp and creamy sauce over the prepared fluffy rice.
Notes
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist or to enhance the sauce’s silkiness. For an extra pop of color and freshness, add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce just before serving. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice to ensure the best flavor profile.