Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice: Quick & Comforting

Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is your new weeknight dinner hero. It checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, packed with flavor, and—here’s the clincher—it all comes together in one pan. If your evenings are anything like mine, between juggling work, homework help, and maybe even a load of laundry you forgot about (we’ve all been there), you know dinner needs to be simple and satisfying. That’s exactly where this creamy garlic butter shrimp steps in.

Nestled in a rich parmesan sauce and spooned over fluffy rice, it’s a warm hug on a plate. Even picky eaters (ahem, my youngest who once declared war on “sauce”) devour it without complaint. Plus, it feels like something you’d order at a restaurant but takes less than 30 minutes at home. And let’s not forget—it’s got garlic, butter, shrimp, and rice. That’s basically four of life’s best things. So, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding your crew, this dish makes it easy to nourish well and enjoy every bite.

Table of Contents

What is Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice?

Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is that one-pan wonder that somehow manages to feel both fancy and fuss-free at the same time. It’s made with tender shrimp seared to perfection in butter, then bathed in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce with just a hint of lemon to brighten it all up. All of that richness gets spooned over warm, cozy rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower if that’s your jam. The result? A satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that feels like it came from a bistro kitchen.

But don’t be fooled by its name—it’s not complicated. In fact, it’s one of the most approachable recipes on the site. You don’t need any special cooking skills or fancy tools. Just one pan, a little stirring, and about 25 minutes. It’s a great way to use up frozen shrimp from the freezer or turn a weeknight into something special. Kind of like a “treat yourself” moment… but edible. And buttery. Which is the best kind of moment, right?

Reasons to Try Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

First off, let’s just say the words Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice out loud. Doesn’t it already sound like something you need tonight? One of the biggest reasons to make this dish is how ridiculously fast it comes together. We’re talking 25 minutes from fridge to fork. That’s less time than it takes to scroll through your streaming app figuring out what to watch while your kids start asking “what’s for dinner” for the third time. It’s also a real crowd-pleaser. The creamy garlic sauce? Dreamy. The shrimp? Juicy and perfectly seasoned.

The rice? A fluffy little cloud that soaks up every drop of that buttery goodness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a hangry group of kids, this dish delivers. Plus, it’s easy to adjust. Want it lighter? Use half-and-half. Dairy-free? Sub in coconut cream and plant-based butter. Want extra veggies? Toss in some spinach or peas. You can also check out my Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake if you’re into fast meals packed with flavor. But this shrimp dish? It’s going to be a new favorite.

Ingredients Needed to Make Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
• Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish

Instructions to Make Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice – Step by Step

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

First things first, take your shrimp (thawed if frozen), pat them dry, and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Don’t skip the paprika—it adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color. Grab a large skillet and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and bubbly, lay the shrimp in a single layer. Give them about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden at the edges. You don’t want to overcook them—rubbery shrimp are not part of the plan. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set them aside. I usually sneak one here—just sayin’.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and toss the remaining tablespoon of butter into the same pan. Don’t clean it—those brown bits left behind from the shrimp are gold. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Keep it moving—you don’t want burnt garlic.

Now slowly stir in your cream (or half-and-half if that’s what you’ve got). Whisk gently to combine, scraping up any yummy bits from the bottom of the pan. Next comes the freshly grated parmesan—sprinkle it in and stir until melted into the sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon juice here if you’re using it. This step is where the magic happens. The sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy and rich, like a cozy blanket for your shrimp.

Step 3: Toss the Shrimp Back into the Sauce

Time to reunite the shrimp with their buttery home. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for 1–2 minutes so they soak up all that flavor. By now, your kitchen should smell amazing—like garlic heaven with a touch of indulgence.

Step 4: Serve Over Rice and Garnish

Now for the fun part: serving. Spoon that creamy garlic butter shrimp generously over your cooked rice. Whether you’re using fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist, it all works beautifully. Don’t forget the garnish—fresh chopped parsley or green onion adds color and a nice pop of freshness. Serve it up warm and get ready for compliments. And if your crew loves these kinds of creamy, comforting meals, they’ll probably go nuts for this Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice too.

What to Serve with Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Honestly, this dish is a full meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out or feed a crowd, here are a few easy ideas. Try pairing it with Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries for something hearty and sweet, or add a quick green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus also goes great if you’re trying to sneak in more veggies. And if you’re feeling extra fancy (or hungry), some warm garlic bread wouldn’t hurt.

Key Tips for Making Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Start with dry shrimp. Patting them dry helps you get that beautiful golden sear instead of steaming them. Fresh garlic makes a big difference, so skip the jarred stuff if you can. Don’t overcook the shrimp—2–3 minutes per side is plenty. Letting the sauce simmer for a minute or two helps it thicken and marry the flavors. If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. And lastly, use good parmesan—it melts better and adds that salty, nutty depth that really ties the dish together. If you love these kinds of simple yet flavorful tips, check out my guide to easy skillet dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do it gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. The microwave works too—just go slow and stir halfway through. Shrimp can get rubbery if overheated, so avoid blasting it. If you’ve made a big batch of rice, you can even freeze that separately and reheat as needed. Pro tip: portion out single servings for easy lunches.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Totally! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes—swap butter for plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well. You can also use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner.

How spicy is this?
Not spicy at all. But if you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a large pan and don’t crowd the shrimp—cook in batches if needed.

Final Thoughts

Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is more than just dinner—it’s that little comfort you need after a long day, the easy win that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. It’s quick, cozy, and full of flavor, with minimal cleanup and maximum reward. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking solo, this dish will hit the spot every single time. And if you’re into these kinds of fuss-free meals with big flavor, be sure to browse more dinner ideas like Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce or my popular Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. So next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember: garlic, butter, shrimp, and rice—what could possibly go wrong?

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print