Few dishes capture comfort, richness, and elegance all in one bite like a plate of tender shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, paired with perfectly steamed rice. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet luxurious enough to impress guests. The creamy sauce clings to every shrimp, delivering bursts of garlicky flavor, while the soft, fluffy rice provides the perfect balance to the richness.
Whether you’re making this for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or just to treat yourself, the combination of succulent seafood, buttery cream, and aromatic garlic is pure satisfaction. Let’s dive into everything you need to know — from ingredients and step-by-step cooking to plating, variations, and tips for the best results every time.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
300g (10 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Cream Sauce
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups water
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start with the rice so it’s ready when the shrimp are finished. Combine the rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly. When done, remove from heat and keep covered until serving. This keeps it warm and fluffy.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this step helps them sear instead of steam. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the shrimp in the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned — garlic burns quickly, so watch closely.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate the butter and garlic. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Return the Shrimp
Place the shrimp back into the skillet, gently coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer for another minute so the flavors meld and the shrimp are fully cooked but still tender.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Spoon the rice onto plates or into bowls. Top with generous portions of creamy garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose Fresh Shrimp When Possible
Fresh shrimp provide the sweetest flavor and best texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking. - Don’t Overcook Shrimp
Overcooking turns shrimp rubbery. The moment they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done. Remember, they’ll cook a bit more when returned to the sauce. - Balance the Creaminess
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. If too thin, let it simmer for another minute. - Rice Texture Matters
Steamed rice should be fluffy, not mushy. Keep the heat low during cooking and avoid stirring while it simmers. - Use Real Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Flavor Variations
- Herb-Infused Sauce
Add fresh basil, thyme, or dill to the sauce for an aromatic twist. - Spicy Kick
Increase the chili flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili paste for more heat. - Citrus Brightness
Add extra lemon zest to the sauce for a tangier, fresher profile. - Veggie Boost
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or asparagus to make the dish heartier. - Seafood Mix
Replace some of the shrimp with scallops, crab meat, or chunks of white fish.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread
Pair with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce. - On Pasta
Swap the rice for linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a creamy seafood pasta. - With a Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp. - Family-Style Presentation
Serve the shrimp and sauce in a large shallow bowl with rice on the side so guests can help themselves.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. - Freezing
Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish works so well because it balances richness with freshness. The garlic butter cream is decadent, but the lemon juice and parsley cut through that richness, making each bite feel indulgent yet not heavy. The rice acts as a neutral, comforting base, allowing the sauce to shine. And the shrimp — with their delicate texture and natural sweetness — tie everything together.
Complete Meal Plan with This Dish
If you want to turn this into a full dinner experience, here’s a menu idea:
- Starter: Fresh tomato and cucumber salad with lemon dressing
- Main: Insanely Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice
- Side: Garlic bread or buttered asparagus
- Dessert: Light fruit sorbet or panna cotta
This way, you have balance from start to finish — refreshing, rich, crisp, and sweet.
This Insanely Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice proves that restaurant-quality seafood dishes don’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can create something that feels both comforting and special. The combination of garlicky butter, silky cream, and tender shrimp served with fluffy rice is one that never fails to impress. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again.