Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice — The One-Pan Dinner Everyone Loves

If you’re searching for shrimp and rice dinner ideas, something warm and satisfying, or easy healthy dinner recipes shrimp, this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl checks every box. It’s rich, buttery, flavorful, and comes together in one pan ideal for nights when you want dinner ideas one pan easy meals without the stress.

This recipe is also perfect if you’re craving dinner recipes not chicken, need a quick dinner idea with shrimp, or want classic cream shrimp over rice that tastes like comfort food but still feels light and fresh.

Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and huge flavor exactly something easy to cook for dinner.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley

To Serve

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra parsley

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just simple basics:

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp
    Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Sear the shrimp
    Heat olive oil in skillet → cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side → remove and set aside.
  3. Build the garlic butter base
    Add butter to the pan → melt → sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the creamy sauce
    Stir in cream, broth, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
    Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thick.
  5. Add shrimp back in
    Toss shrimp into creamy sauce → coat evenly → cook 1 more minute.
  6. Assemble bowls
    Add warm rice → spoon creamy shrimp over top → garnish with parsley and lemon. 🍋✨

Pro Tips

  • Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add spinach for extra nutrients.
  • Use leftover rice for the fastest dinner.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp they get tough quickly.
  • Add Parmesan for extra richness.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl39026g32g18g1g2g

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimated and vary based on brands and ingredients used.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice — The One-Pan Dinner Everyone Loves

A fast, creamy shrimp and rice dish with a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pan dinner is cozy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Course: Dinner, Main Course, One Pot
Cuisine: American, Seafood Comfort Food
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
  • spatula to stir and fold ingredients

Method
 

  1. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, melt butter and sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in cream, broth, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add cooked rice and shrimp to the pan. Stir gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 240mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use cooked or leftover rice for quicker prep. Try adding spinach, peas, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Make it dairy-free by swapping cream and butter for coconut milk and olive oil.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

This one-pan creamy garlic butter shrimp is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal with nearly zero cleanup. Whether you’re craving creamy shrimp over rice, searching for dinner recipes not chicken, or need shrimp and rice dinner ideas, this recipe will become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes thaw fully and pat dry.

Can I use precooked shrimp?

Yes add during the last minute to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute the cream?

Coconut milk or evaporated milk works well.