Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic butter shrimp served over fluffy rice, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. This one-pan meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup parmesan, freshly grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure to coat them evenly to enhance the flavor. Set aside for about 5 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring continuously. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and lemon juice, if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can coat the back of a spoon with the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through. They should be coated well in the sauce and glistening.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over warm rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting one-pan meal!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly firm. Use a wide skillet or a sauté pan to give the shrimp ample space to sear properly. Consider adjusting the cream-to-parmesan ratio for a richer or lighter sauce, depending on your preference.