🦐 Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
If you love bold flavors and crave something indulgent yet light, this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl is your answer. Packed with juicy shrimp in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and paired with fragrant herb rice, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights, at-home date nights, or when you need a comfort meal that doesn’t take hours. 🍋🌿
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ One-pan sauce with rich garlic butter flavor
- ✅ Bright, herbaceous rice to balance the creaminess
- ✅ Elegant enough for entertaining, simple enough for weeknights
Let’s dive into this irresistible combination of creamy, garlicky shrimp and lemon herb rice — with expert chef tips and healthy cooking advice included!
Ingredients You’ll Need
🌾 For the Herb Rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (or a 50/50 mix)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine preferred)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional for richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
🦐 For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on or off)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
🍽 To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
- Crusty bread or steamed vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Herb Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine broth, rice, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, then stir in parsley and lemon zest. Keep warm.
2️⃣ Season and Sear the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and tent with foil.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cream, bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan. Stir until melted and sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
4️⃣ Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Return shrimp and any juices to the skillet. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5️⃣ Assemble the Bowls
Divide the herb rice into bowls. Spoon shrimp and creamy sauce on top. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with crusty bread or veggies.
Chef Tips from the Pros
- Chef Bobby Flay: “For deeper flavor, use shrimp with shells on and peel after searing — the shells add richness to the pan.”
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Avoid overcooking shrimp — they should be just opaque and curled into a C-shape.”
- Ree Drummond: “Fresh parsley and a hit of lemon keep creamy sauces from feeling too heavy.”
- Ina Garten: “Use good-quality Parmesan — it melts better and adds deeper flavor.”
Health Tips & Safety Considerations
- Shrimp Safety: Always cook shrimp to 120–130°F internal temp for safety and best texture.
- Shellfish Allergy Warning: Clearly label dishes with shrimp when serving to a crowd.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or low-fat cream; serve with steamed veggies for balance.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free — just double-check broth and cheese labels.
- Low-Sodium Tip: Use water instead of broth and unsalted butter to control salt levels.
Nutrition & Health Benefits Table
| Component | Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Health Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (in sauce) | 4 oz cooked | 240 | 25g | 14g | 4g | High in lean protein, low in calories, rich in selenium & B12 |
| Herb Rice | 1 cup cooked | 180 | 4g | 2g | 36g | Provides energy and fiber; lemon zest adds vitamin C |
| Overall Meal | Full bowl | 420–480 | 29g | 18g | 40g | Balanced macros with rich flavor and fresh herbs |
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking. - Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower mash or roasted greens. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil and coconut cream with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. - Can I prepare the rice ahead?
Yes, cook rice up to 2 days in advance and reheat with a splash of water. - What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half, or mix milk with a little cornstarch for a similar texture. - Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be sautéed in the same pan. - How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp. - What sides go well?
Crusty bread, roasted asparagus, or lemony green beans complement this dish. - Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. - Where can I learn more about seafood recipes?
Check out this guide to seafood meals on Fresh Toner Hungar.
More Dinner Inspiration 🍽
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl offers luxurious flavor, simple prep, and comforting satisfaction — everything you want from a weeknight dinner or special meal. With herbaceous rice to brighten every bite and a buttery sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread, it’s no wonder this recipe is a repeat favorite. 💚🦐🍋
Ready in just 30 minutes — this is a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
