Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
A quick and delicious creamy garlic butter shrimp dish served over fluffy rice, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp preferred, thaw if using frozen.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Use extra virgin for better flavor.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter Room temperature for easier melting.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is essential for flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika For smokiness.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- ½ cup chicken broth Low-sodium preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream For rich creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Adds brightness.
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley For garnish, optional.
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Classic and fluffy.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth Broth enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter For richness.
- to taste salt Season rice to your preference.
Instructions
Preparation of Rice
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 2 cups of water or chicken broth, salt, and 1 tbsp butter. Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
Cooking the Shrimp
- While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 2 tbsp 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 until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp of butter and 5 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using) before returning the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat and heat through.
- Serve over the fluffy rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, don't rush the cooking process. Fresh ingredients make a difference in flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.