Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Herbed Rice is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Tender, juicy shrimp are sautéed in butter and garlic until golden, then enveloped in a luscious cream sauce infused with Parmesan and herbs. Served with fragrant herbed rice, this dish feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a quick gourmet weeknight meal.

This recipe combines simplicity and sophistication—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, yet the final dish tastes like something straight out of a fine coastal restaurant.

---

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 2

• Calories per serving: Approximately 600 kcal

• Difficulty: Easy

---

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 300 g (10 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for color and sweetness)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: 1 tablespoon white wine or lemon juice for brightness

For the Herbed Rice

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (basmati or jasmine preferred)

• 2 cups water

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or mixed herbs: thyme, dill, or basil)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Herbed Rice

Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil with ½ teaspoon salt. Stir in the rice and a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.

Once done, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and stir in chopped fresh herbs for aroma and color. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and slightly caramelized. Do not overcook, as shrimp can quickly turn rubbery. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

---

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned. If using red bell pepper, add it now and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

For a more layered flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice at this stage—it balances the richness of the cream and butter beautifully.

---

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the creamy garlic flavors. Sprinkle in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

The sauce should be silky, creamy, and fragrant, clinging perfectly to each shrimp.

---

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the herbed rice onto two plates. Arrange the creamy garlic butter shrimp on top or alongside. Drizzle some of the sauce over the rice and garnish with additional parsley for a touch of freshness.

Serve immediately while warm—the contrast between buttery shrimp and herb-infused rice is absolutely divine.

---

Flavor Notes

This recipe celebrates contrast: the mild sweetness of shrimp, the richness of butter and cream, and the savory depth of garlic and Parmesan. The herbed rice cuts through the creaminess, providing freshness and balance.

For a light, zesty finish, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving.

---

Chef’s Tips & Variations

1. Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or coconut cream for a healthier twist.

2. Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful, nutrient-rich meal.

3. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for heat.

4. Herbed Upgrade: Stir chopped basil, dill, or chives into the rice for a Mediterranean touch.

5. Keto-Friendly Version: Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles instead of rice.

---

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can overcook easily.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~600 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Sodium: 550 mg

This dish provides an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making it satisfying yet wholesome.

---

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick yet indulgent: Ready in 30 minutes, but tastes like a restaurant entrée.

• Customizable: Works equally well with shrimp, scallops, or chicken.

• Comfort food done right: Creamy, garlicky, and full of aromatic herbs.

• Perfect for all occasions: A simple weeknight dinner or a romantic meal for two.

---

Suggested Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a light green salad.

• Dessert: Follow with a simple lemon sorbet or fruit parfait to refresh the palate.