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
- Season the shrimp
Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Sear the shrimp
Heat olive oil in skillet → cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side → remove and set aside. - Build the garlic butter base
Add butter to the pan → melt → sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Make the creamy sauce
Stir in cream, broth, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thick. - Add shrimp back in
Toss shrimp into creamy sauce → coat evenly → cook 1 more minute. - 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 Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 390 | 26g | 32g | 18g | 1g | 2g |
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are estimated and vary based on brands and ingredients used.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice — The One-Pan Dinner Everyone Loves
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cooked rice and shrimp to the pan. Stir gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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.