Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice for Quick Weeknight Bliss Recipe
This creamy garlic shrimp and rice recipe is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Easy to prepare with pantry staples and customizable to fit dietary preferences such as vegetarian or dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, thawed if frozen
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
Broth
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
Flavor
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for lighter dish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter/dairy-free versions)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, or cayenne pepper for more spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Cook the Garlic: While the rice cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the large shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Lemon Juice and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the lemon juice and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Combine and Serve: Spoon the cooked rice onto plates and top with the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen shrimp for convenience and consistent cooking times.
- Brown rice can be used instead of jasmine or basmati rice for a healthier whole grain option, but cooking time will need to be increased.
- Vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
- Butter can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter fat profile.
- For dairy-free versions, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit them altogether for a mild dish.
- Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
