This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Creamy Parmesan Rice is a quick and comforting dinner recipe made with tender shrimp, buttery garlic, creamy rice, and rich Parmesan cheese. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple but full of flavor.
The shrimp cook quickly in garlic butter, then get mixed with cooked rice, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a creamy, satisfying meal that tastes restaurant-worthy with very little effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet.
Season with salt and pepper, then cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Stir in the cooked rice, making sure it gets coated in the garlic butter.
Cook for a few minutes until the rice is warmed through.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
Stir everything together until the rice becomes creamy and the cheese melts into the mixture.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley on top, if desired.
For extra brightness, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.
Recipe Notes
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp.
You can use white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or leftover rice for this recipe.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Time Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Suggestions
This creamy shrimp and rice dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Lemon wedges on the side
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Creamy Parmesan Rice is creamy, buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy one-skillet meal that feels special enough for dinner guests but simple enough for a quick family meal.
