Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors without much fuss. This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys seafood and wants to create a comforting meal that is also quick to prepare. The combination of succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and creamy sauce over fluffy rice makes for a dish that feels special, yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Creating this tasty dish is not only easy but also enjoyable. Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes, and when paired with the creamy sauce, it transforms into a restaurant-quality meal. So, let’s get started to bring this delightful recipe to your table!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Serve the shrimp and sauce over cooked rice, garnishing with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Serving this dish is simple. Once you prepare the creamy garlic butter shrimp, spoon the delightful shrimp and sauce generously over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the rich flavors, creating a perfect match. You can also garnish with additional chopped parsley for color and freshness.
To elevate the meal even further, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A light vinaigrette on the salad can balance out the creamy richness of the dish.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is easy! Let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or a little extra cream when reheating to bring back the creamy texture. Ensure that the shrimp is heated through before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
- Choosing Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for a satisfying bite, but medium-sized shrimp work well too. Ensure they are fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
- Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or can even replace part of it with chicken broth for a lighter version.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Garlic Options: For a milder flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dish. Roasted garlic offers a sweeter and less intense flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider adding some spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet when cooking the shrimp.
Variation
While the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is delicious as is, there are several fun variations you can explore:
- Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning instead of plain paprika for a zesty kick and more complex flavors.
- Spicy Version: Mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist. This will give the dish a unique flavor and is great if you want to try a dairy-free version.
- Pasta Option: Instead of rice, you can serve the creamy shrimp over pasta. Linguine or fettuccine would work wonderfully.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent the shrimp from becoming watery.
2. How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in just 3-4 minutes. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream to achieve a similar consistency without the dairy.
4. Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the sauce fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and store it in the fridge for a day. Just add shrimp and cream when you’re ready to serve.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
This creamy garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. Additionally, garlic bread can make for a hearty side that complements the dish nicely.
Cooking Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a wonderful experience, from gathering the ingredients to savoring each bite. You’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a warm and comforting feel to your dining table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delightful dish combining succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter, and creamy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve the shrimp and sauce over cooked rice, garnishing with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Consider adding vegetables for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 220mg