Easy Shrimp and Rice
Ever had a meal that felt like a warm hug on a plate?
This Easy Shrimp and Rice recipe is exactly that! Creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the ultimate one-pan wonder for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’re about to become the dinner hero in your household!
Why make this recipe
There’s a lot to love about this dish! Here are a few reasons why it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table:
Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes. That makes it a perfect choice for those nights when takeout seems tempting, but you know your wallet will thank you later.
One-Pan Magic: Who doesn’t love easy cleanup? With few pots and pans to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing!
Family-Friendly: If you have picky eaters at home, this creamy shrimp delight is kid-approved and sure to satisfy their cravings. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies if you like!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
- 1 tbsp butter
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits at the bottom.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
Serve your creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Don’t forget the parsley garnish if you want to feel fancy!
How to make Easy Shrimp and Rice (Overview)
Cooking this delightful dish is as simple as it sounds! Start by prepping your rice. Let it simmer away while you bring the flavor to life in a skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Here’s the scoop:
- Cook the rice first; it needs some time to absorb all that goodness.
- Sauté the shrimp until they’re juicy and your kitchen smells heavenly.
- Create the luscious sauce with garlic, cream, and Parmesan; you’ll want to bathe in it!
- Finally, unite everything together and serve. Trust me, the family will come running at the smell alone! Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to serve Easy Shrimp and Rice
Picture this: a heaping serving of creamy shrimp atop fluffy rice, garnished with a sprinkle of vibrant parsley. Serve it in chic bowls or on a rustic plate.
Pair it with a light green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the rich flavors. The contrast of colors and textures—golden shrimp, white rice, and fresh greens—is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate!
How to store Easy Shrimp and Rice
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save it for a longer time, it freezes beautifully for up to 1 month.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain that creamy texture. A little stir and you’re set to relive the goodness!
Tips to make Easy Shrimp and Rice
- Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Either works, but fresh shrimp will always have a slight edge in flavor.
- Grilled Lemon: Squeeze some grilled lemon juice over the dish for an extra zesty kick—trust me, it elevates the dish!
- Spice Level: Adjust the** red pepper flakes** according to your family’s spice tolerance. Or skip them altogether if you’re cooking for kids!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Swap in zucchini noodles instead of rice for a lighter option. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a twist. Add some fresh spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be a convenient option and still taste great.
2. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Switch the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese. You’ll still get that lovely creamy texture!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the rice and shrimp separately, but I suggest adding the sauce just before serving to keep things fresh and creamy.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Easy Shrimp and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits at the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
- Serve your creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Don’t forget the parsley garnish if you want to feel fancy!
