Creamy Shrimp Dinner Idea You’ll Love

If you’re craving a quick, cozy, and ultra-satisfying dinner, this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp are seared in butter, then coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce and served over warm rice for the ultimate comfort food without the long cooking time. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan shrimp dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a creamy shrimp recipe that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. If you love easy shrimp dinners, one-pan meals, or creamy garlic butter recipes, this dish belongs on your dinner rotation.

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Table of Contents

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy
• Method: One-pan stovetop

Ingredients List

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish

Pork Substitutions & Customizations

This recipe is naturally pork-free, making it perfect for halal, kosher, and pork-free diets.

Optional add-ins:

• Spinach or peas for extra veggies
• Mushrooms for a heartier texture
• Chili flakes for heat

Dairy-free swap:

• Use plant-based butter
• Coconut cream or oat cream
• Dairy-free Parmesan alternative

Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner Friendly)

1. Season the shrimp
   Toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. Sear the shrimp
   Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside 🍤
3. Build the garlic butter sauce
   Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic.
   Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
4. Make it creamy
   Stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
   Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish the dish
   Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes more.
6. Serve
   Spoon shrimp and sauce over warm rice. Garnish with parsley or green onions and enjoy ✨

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp they’re done as soon as they turn pink
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded
• Add a splash of pasta water or broth if sauce thickens too much
• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition values vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions. For accurate dietary needs, calculate using your specific ingredients.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one pan, and just 25 minutes, you get a creamy shrimp dinner that feels indulgent yet effortless. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll save, make again, and share because everyone loves a fast, cozy shrimp meal that delivers big flavor.