Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

This garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines juicy, flavorful shrimp with creamy garlic butter sauce and fluffy rice for a satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

I first made this recipe on a hectic evening after work, and it instantly became a favorite in our household. Now it’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something both comforting and speedy.

Ingredients

• One cup Minute rice: quick cooking and perfect for convenience but you can substitute with dry rice cooked as per package instructions
• Six tablespoons unsalted butter: provides the rich, creamy base for the sauce
• Four cloves garlic minced: essential for that strong aromatic flavor, fresh is best to avoid bitterness
• Twelve to sixteen ounces extra large shrimp peeled and deveined: tails on or off as you prefer, make sure they are fresh or fully thawed for best taste
• Quarter cup shredded parmesan cheese: adds a salty creamy dimension, use freshly grated if possible for better melting
• Three tablespoons skim milk: lightens the sauce while keeping creaminess
• Two tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish: adds bright color and fresh flavor
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste: essential seasonings to enhance everything

Instructions

Cook the Rice:

Prepare the rice according to the directions on the box. If using dry rice, cook as usual, making sure it is fluffy and not sticky. Set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch closely to ensure the garlic turns lightly golden but does not burn as that will add bitterness to the dish.

Add Shrimp and Rice:

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often until they turn pink and are cooked through. Then add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring everything to combine thoroughly.

Make It Creamy:

Stir in the parmesan cheese, skim milk, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from heat and sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot.

This recipe’s star ingredient is the fresh garlic butter sauce which turns simple shrimp and rice into a rich and satisfying meal. I remember making it for my family during a casual Sunday evening and the way everyone kept going back for seconds made it clear this dish had staying power on our menu.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the shrimp. This dish can be refreshed with a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much after chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Minute rice for any quick-cooking rice or even cauliflower rice for a low carb version. Butter can be replaced with olive oil if preferred but it will change the richness. Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette works wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving adds a bright contrast to the richness.

This quick garlic butter shrimp and rice is a family favorite that never fails to impress with its creamy texture and bold flavors.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can dry rice be used instead of Minute rice?

Yes, dry rice can be used. Just cook it according to package directions before combining it with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

→ How do I prevent garlic from burning when cooking?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir frequently. Lower the heat if the garlic starts to brown too quickly to avoid bitterness.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and patted dry to ensure even cooking and better texture.

→ What can I substitute for parmesan cheese if unavailable?

Grated Pecorino Romano or a mild cheddar can be used, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

→ Is it necessary to add milk to the dish?

The milk helps create a creamy texture when combined with parmesan. You can omit it, but the dish will be less creamy.