Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice
If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and comforting meal, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce—all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a one-pan wonder ready in just 30 minutes!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
To Serve:
- 2–3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine all work beautifully)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
Prepare rice according to package instructions and keep warm. - Sauté the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if the skillet is dry.
- Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over cooked rice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a teaspoon of cornstarch to lighten the sauce.
- Add-Ins: Stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.