Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 30-Minute Family Delight

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a rich yet easy weeknight dinner made with juicy shrimp, a velvety garlic butter sauce, and fluffy rice. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families, meal prep, or a cozy date night at home. The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish is not just quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it: it’s perfect for meal prep, packed with protein, and can be customized easily. With its creamy garlic shrimp flavor, you’ll find it fits various palates, whether you’re a fan of spicy or mild. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for different dietary needs. Easy creamy garlic butter shrimp is truly a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Gather these items:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Rinse rice, then simmer with water or broth and salt for 18–20 minutes until fluffy. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
  7. Step 7: Spoon creamy shrimp over rice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 30-Minute Family Delight - Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Keep these in mind:

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they should be tender and juicy.
  • Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
  • For added flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

  • Garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
  • A side salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Over creamy garlic shrimp pasta for a heartier meal.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

To store leftovers, allow the shrimp to cool and place them in an airtight container. This dish can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This makes it great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

The secret is in the timing! Ensure that the shrimp cook just until they turn pink, which locks in their moisture and flavor. Using high-quality butter and fresh garlic elevates this dish.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the shrimp right before serving to keep them tender and juicy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Also, taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor profile.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp You Can Try

There are many ways to customize this dish:

  • Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist.
  • Try different proteins, such as chicken or scallops, for variety.
  • Experiment with different herbs, making it a garlic butter shrimp with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 30-Minute Family Delight - Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp - additional detail

For more tips on cooking shrimp, check out this guide on cooking shrimp.

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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 30-Minute Family Delight

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Creamy garlic butter shrimp with rice is a rich yet easy weeknight dinner made with juicy shrimp, a velvety garlic butter sauce, and fluffy rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or a cozy date night at home.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice, then simmer with water or broth and salt for 18–20 minutes until fluffy. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice.
  6. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
  7. Spoon creamy shrimp over rice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 480
    • Sugar: 1g
    • Sodium: 800mg
    • Fat: 28g
    • Saturated Fat: 16g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 32g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 34g
    • Cholesterol: 200mg

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    Hi! I’m Margaret!

    A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

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