Introduction
There are nights when you want a meal that feels like a $40 plate at a high-end coastal bistro, but your schedule (and energy levels) says “takeout.” That is exactly where my Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice comes into play. As a food writer for Chefmaniac.com, I’ve tested hundreds of seafood recipes, and this one remains a personal favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity.
We are talking about succulent, plump shrimp seared to perfection and bathed in a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce that clings to every grain of fluffy white rice. It’s elegant enough for a date night but fast enough for a Tuesday evening. If you love comfort food that doesn’t require hours of hovering over a stove, much like my Instant Pot Lasagna, this shrimp dish is about to become your new go-to.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe a “maniac” favorite?
- Speed: You can go from raw ingredients to a plated masterpiece in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Profile: The combination of nutty browned butter, aromatic garlic, and salty Parmesan creates a “restaurant-quality” depth of flavor.
- Versatility: While it’s served over rice here, the sauce is so good you’ll want to dip everything in it.
- Pantry Friendly: Most of the herbs and fats are likely already in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To get that perfect silkiness, quality matters. Here is what you will need:
- Shrimp: 300g (10 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer tails on for presentation, but tails off is easier for eating!
- Aromatics: 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (don’t use the jarred stuff here; the flavor is too muted).
- Fats: 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Liquid Gold: 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream.
- Cheese: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best).
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, and ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Base: Cooked white rice (Jasmine or Basmati works beautifully).
Swaps and Notes
- The Cream: If heavy cream feels too heavy, you can swap it for half-and-half. Just be careful not to boil it too vigorously, as lower-fat milks can break.
- The Protein: Not a fan of shrimp? This exact sauce works wonders with thin-sliced chicken breast or even scallops.
- Added Veggies: Feel free to stir in a handful of baby spinach at the very end until it wilts—it adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Wine Not? If you have an open bottle of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio), add a splash after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce by half before adding the cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels (this ensures a good sear). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- The Initial Sear: Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Pro Tip: Don’t overcook them here; they will finish in the sauce! Remove them to a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown or turn bitter.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. You want it to reduce slightly until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- The Reunion: Return the seared shrimp (and any juices from the plate) back into the skillet. Toss to coat them thoroughly in the cream. Simmer for just 1 more minute.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and plenty of sauce over a warm bed of white rice. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you are doubling this recipe, sear the shrimp in batches. If the pan is too crowded, the shrimp will steam rather than sear, losing that golden exterior.
- High Heat for Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Keep the heat medium-high during the initial sear to get color without turning the centers into rubber.
- Rice Prep: Start your rice before you even touch the shrimp. Since the shrimp takes less than 15 minutes, you want that rice steaming and ready the moment the sauce reaches peak thickness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is quite rich, so I recommend pairing it with something bright or acidic to cleanse the palate.
- Side Salad: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli are fantastic for soaking up extra garlic cream sauce.
- Beverage: To cut through the cream, try a glass of crisp Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g (excluding rice)
- Sodium: 450mg
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Seafood is finicky when reheated. I recommend warming it in a small skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the shrimp will degrade.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this coastal-inspired comfort meal, you have to check out these other Chefmaniac favorites:
- For another one-pan rice wonder, try my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
- Craving more pasta? You can’t go wrong with this Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce.
- And for dessert, treat yourself to a slice of Ice Cream Sandwich Cake.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp is proof that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to create a meal that feels special. It’s a testament to the power of butter, garlic, and cream!
I would love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add the white wine splash, or perhaps some extra red pepper flakes? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media with your recreations. Happy cooking!
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