Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy shrimp dish paired with rice, and this recipe delivers just that. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is not only irresistibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights or a spontaneous dinner party. As I mixed the fragrant garlic with butter and watched the shrimp sizzle, I knew I had something special on my hands. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this dish is bound to impress.
Why you’ll love this dish
Every now and then, you come across a recipe that checks all the boxes: simple, quick, and euphorically tasty. What sets this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp apart is its ability to transform standard ingredients into something extraordinary. Serving shrimp in this luscious, garlicky sauce makes it an enticing choice for a family dinner or an intimate gathering.
“This was an absolute hit at my dinner party! Quick to make and bursting with flavor—my guests couldn’t stop raving about it!”
Step-by-step overview
Now that we’ve piqued your appetite, let’s break down how to make this dish. Preparing Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a breeze that comes together in just a few simple steps. You’ll begin with your shrimp, creating a beautiful sear, and then make the delectable sauce that elevates the entire meal. This recipe seamlessly combines sautéing, sauce-making, and rice cooking into a single effort that will give you a feeling of culinary accomplishment.
What you’ll need
Before diving into the cooking adventure, gather these 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 for rice
These ingredients create a perfect harmony of flavors. For those mindful of dietary restrictions, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative or use frozen shrimp for convenience.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, still covered.
- While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of 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 turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy) and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp, creativity can elevate your dining experience. Consider pairing the dish with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a burst of color and nutritional balance. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up that decadent sauce, making it even more delightful.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers can be wonderfully convenient. Allow any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If you want to save it for a longer period, consider freezing it, but keep in mind that the sauce may become slightly grainy upon thawing.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results with your shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan—you want them to sear nicely rather than steam. Use fresh herbs for garnish whenever possible, as they add a pop of color and brightness. Also, don’t rush the sauce-making part; allowing it to simmer a bit longer can really deepen the flavors.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You can play with different flavors to create your own take on this dish. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of sweetness, or swap out the Parmesan for feta for a tangy flair. If you’re in the mood for a kick, toss in some chopped, fresh basil or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Common questions
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or a plant-based cream alternative to maintain a creamy consistency.
How long should I cook the shrimp?
Shrimp cooks quickly—typically 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While ideally prepared fresh, leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a hands-on experience that’s both quick and rewarding—an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and delicious shrimp dish featuring a creamy garlic butter sauce served over rice.
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 for rice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add shrimp, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping browned bits from the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, simmering for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using), then return cooked shrimp to skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
- Serve over warm rice, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread to enhance your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American