Imagine a dish that wraps you up in cozy, velvety comfort while still feeling light and fresh—let me introduce you to the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice. Succulent shrimp are swirled through a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice, then spooned over fluffy herb-studded rice. This meal hits all the notes: it’s fast enough for busy weeknights, elegant enough for guests, and delicious enough to leave everyone swooning for seconds!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightful Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice uses simple ingredients that bring big flavor. Each element has a purpose, whether it’s adding creaminess, color, or that irresistible garlicky aroma we all love. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Large shrimp: Plump and juicy, shrimp are the star—make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
Butter: Luxuriously rich and necessary for that classic garlic-butter flavor.
Olive oil: Balances out the butter and keeps the garlic from browning too quickly.
Garlic cloves: Four cloves may sound bold, but the flavor mellows as it cooks and infuses the entire sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that soaks into every grain of rice.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and extra body to the sauce, tying everything together.
Paprika: A touch of warmth and gentle color—smoked or sweet, your choice!
Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat that makes the dish sing—skip it if you prefer mild flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances every bite; don’t shy away from seasoning to taste.
Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base for soaking up that delectable sauce; use pre-cooked to save time.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brings vibrant green color and earthy freshness to the rice.
Chopped fresh dill: The secret herb that makes the rice sing—so aromatic and so worth it.
Lemon juice: A finishing splash keeps things bright and accents the shrimp beautifully.
Optional lemon wedges: For serving, if you like a little citrus zip at the table.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Oil

Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination creates a rich flavor base and keeps the butter from burning. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it’s aromatic and your kitchen smells heavenly. Don’t let the garlic brown; you want it softened and fragrant, not bitter.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp with Spices

Slide your peeled and deveined shrimp into the pan. Sprinkle on the paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of spice. Cook each side for just 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp go opaque and curl—that’s when they’re perfectly juicy and tender! Be careful not to overcook; shrimp go from succulent to rubbery quickly.

Step 3: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream alongside your Parmesan cheese. As you stir, watch the sauce turn silky, thickening ever so slightly and blanketing the shrimp in lusciousness. Let it bubble gently together for 2 to 3 minutes—the creamy garlic butter base really shines, and the cheese melds everything into pure decadence.

Step 4: Toss Rice with Herbs and Lemon

While the sauce simmers, grab a separate bowl and gently toss your cooked rice with fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The rice becomes light, herbaceous, and flecked with color, ready for the shrimp to nestle right on top.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon generous portions of herbed rice into deep bowls. Gently ladle the creamy garlic butter shrimp and every drop of that luscious sauce over the rice. Finish things off with more fresh herbs or a few lemon wedges, and you’re ready to dive into your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Garnishes

Add a flourish of fresh parsley or dill on top and a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright, zesty kick. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan isn’t just for show; it deepens that cheesy goodness in every bite. These little finishing touches make each Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice feel restaurant-level special.

Side Dishes

This bowl is already quite a complete meal, but a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For extra veggies, try a side of simply steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach. Warm crusty bread is also highly recommended for sopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

You can impress company by serving each Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice in wide, shallow pasta bowls for maximum surface area and dramatic presentation. For meal prep, portion the bowl into containers for quick weekday lunches. Hosting a party? Serve the shrimp and rice in lettuce cups or over a bed of arugula for a fun, lighter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—lucky you! Let the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the rice and shrimp together or in separate containers if you prefer to maintain the rice’s texture.

Freezing

While the shrimp and sauce can technically be frozen, the cream may separate upon thawing, and the herbs will lose some vibrancy. If you must freeze, pack into freezer-safe jars or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month and thaw gently overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and rice together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use a low setting and cover loosely so the sauce stays creamy and the shrimp remain tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t water down the sauce.

What other herbs work well in the rice?

If you don’t have dill or parsley, try fresh basil, cilantro, or chives. Each herb will lend its unique character and keep the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice tasting bright and fresh.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, sauté the garlic in olive oil only, swap the cream for unsweetened coconut milk, and skip the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce will still be luscious and satisfying!

How can I make this lower in calories?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat cream, and go lighter on the butter. Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice over cauliflower rice for even fewer carbs and calories while keeping all the flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the shrimp bowl?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or even blistered cherry tomatoes with the shrimp before serving. It’s an easy way to sneak more veggies into this already irresistible bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly balances ease, elegance, and incredible taste, you can’t go wrong with the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a new go-to in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again—enjoy every last bite!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful meal with this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl served over flavorful Herb Rice. This easy-to-make dish combines succulent shrimp in a luscious garlic butter sauce with fragrant herb-infused rice, creating a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Herb Rice:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink. Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
Prepare the Herb Rice: Mix cooked rice with parsley, dill, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
Serve: Spoon herb rice into bowls, top with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges.