If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a velvety, garlicky butter sauce with just the right touch of Parmesan, all resting on a bed of fragrant herb-infused rice. It’s a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh herbaceous notes that makes every bite memorable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple enough to whip up quickly yet special enough to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each element plays a vital role—fresh shrimp for tenderness, herbs for brightness, and butter and cream for that luscious sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, offering tender, juicy bites packed with flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter provides richness and helps create the creamy sauce as well as a silky finish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and smoothness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, umami depth that perfectly complements the shrimp and cream.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: A fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and herbs.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth rather than water boosts the flavor tremendously.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, bright pop of green and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme): Adds subtle earthiness and complexity to the herb rice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for toasting the rice, bringing out a nuttier taste.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A splash of acidity to perfectly balance the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rice
Start off by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toast the rice for about two minutes to give it a subtle nutty flavor that really shines through. Next, pour in the chicken broth, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let the rice simmer until tender and all the liquid is absorbed—usually about 15 to 18 minutes. Once cooked, stir in half of the chopped parsley and thyme, then fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and airy. Keep the rice warm while you make the shrimp.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Cook Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and are opaque throughout. Remove the shrimp and set them aside for the creamy sauce stage.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the heavy cream to the same skillet you cooked the shrimp in—this ensures you keep all those lovely garlic and butter flavors. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that is downright irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce, cooking for just another minute or two so they soak up all that delicious flavor. Finish everything off with a generous drizzle of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Step 5: Assemble Your Shrimp Bowl
Now it’s time to bring it all together—spoon the fragrant herb rice into bowls and crown it with those perfectly sauced shrimp. This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy, bursting with layers of flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few twists of black pepper can really make your shrimp bowl pop visually and flavor-wise. For a little color contrast and zing, a thin slice or two of lemon on the side brightens up the plate. Some people love adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat to complement the creaminess.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is incredibly satisfying on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness beautifully. Roasted asparagus or a medley of grilled peppers also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the presentation, serve your shrimp bowl in pretty, shallow ceramic bowls or wooden bowls for a rustic vibe. Layer the rice first, then neatly arrange the shrimp on top, finishing with a drizzle of sauce and vibrant herbs. Adding edible flowers or microgreens is a fun way to impress guests without any extra hassle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover shrimp and herb rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the shrimp and rice separated if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze the shrimp and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. Use within two months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and creamy sauce on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling, stirring often. Microwave the rice covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, reheating just until warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture and to ensure they sauté properly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and butter?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, but this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I make the herb rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice and mix in the herbs ahead of time. Reheat it gently with a splash of broth or water to bring back its fluffiness before serving.
What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge is best for that authentic, rich flavor and smooth melting, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Can I add vegetables to this shrimp bowl?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas add wonderful color and nutrition to complement the creamy shrimp and herb rice.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe, it will quickly become one of those dishes you want to make over and over again. It’s so comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something extra special. Give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl served over flavorful herb-infused rice. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce, complemented by a fragrant blend of parsley and thyme in tender rice. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that can be ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Herb Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to enhance the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Herb Rice: Stir in half of the chopped parsley and thyme into the cooked rice gently. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and keep it warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss them in the creamy sauce to coat thoroughly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle the remaining parsley for garnish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic butter shrimp over the warm herb rice bowls and serve immediately for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the sauce may be less rich.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used; use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the shrimp.
