Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is a quick and comforting dinner that combines juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic butter, and fluffy rice in one delicious skillet meal. This simple recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With rich buttery garlic flavor and tender shrimp, garlic butter shrimp and rice is a dish that feels both cozy and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy and comes together in under 30 minutes. The garlic butter creates a rich base that coats both the shrimp and rice beautifully, while parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. It’s a family-friendly meal that requires simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-style flavor. Best of all, it’s versatile and can easily be customized with vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

1 cup minute rice (or regular rice cooked according to package directions)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
12–16 ounces extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons skim milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Extra shredded parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Stir the cooked rice into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
6. Add the parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and heated through.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This final step completes the delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice dish.

Tips & Tricks

Use large or extra-large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear nicely in the butter. Fresh garlic provides the most flavor, but garlic paste can be used for convenience. If you want extra richness, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American / Seafood
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free

Notes

You can add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Brown rice can also be used for a healthier variation. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fat: 22 g

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What rice works best for this recipe?
Minute rice works quickly, but jasmine rice, basmati rice, or long-grain white rice also work well.

Can I make garlic butter shrimp and rice ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with olive oil and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep the rice moist. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, though the texture of shrimp may change slightly.

Similar Recipes

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is a quick skillet meal made with shrimp, garlic butter, and fluffy rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American Seafood

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup minute rice or regular rice cooked according to package directions
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 12 –16 ounces extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons skim milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Extra shredded parmesan cheese for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Cook the rice according to the package directions and set it aside.
• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
• Stir the cooked rice into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
• Add the parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and heated through.
• Remove from heat and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This final step completes the delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice dish.

Notes

You can add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Brown rice can also be used for a healthier variation. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

 

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is the perfect combination of buttery garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice in one quick skillet meal. It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy homemade dinner. Once you try it, this easy seafood dish will quickly become part of your regular recipe rotation.