Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of seafood and creamy sauces, this recipe will become a favorite! The shrimp are cooked in a decadent garlic butter sauce that’s enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a silky texture that complements the shrimp perfectly. The herb rice adds a fragrant and slightly earthy base, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, this dish is easy to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, and it’s suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

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

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

Juice of 1/2 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.

Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Stir in half of the chopped parsley and thyme into the cooked rice; fluff with a fork and keep warm.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add shrimp back into the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Remove from heat, drizzle lemon juice over shrimp, and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Serve shrimp and creamy sauce over the herb rice bowls.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Swap parsley and thyme for basil or cilantro based on your preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs instead of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the chicken.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

4. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, you can sprinkle in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even chopped fresh chili peppers.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the rice and the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat the sauce and shrimp, then combine with the rice.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the shrimp and sauce together, but the texture of the shrimp may change upon reheating. The rice can be frozen separately. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus to enhance the dish. Simply sauté them with the shrimp or mix them into the rice.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute Parmesan with another cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

The creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. With its rich, creamy shrimp and aromatic herb rice, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

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