Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Shrimp lovers, this one’s for you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice on a busy weeknight and thought to myself: this should be on a restaurant menu. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together faster than you’d expect. The garlic butter sauce wraps every shrimp in a silky, savory hug, and when it all melts into fluffy herb rice, it’s just pure magic.

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I love how this dish balances elegance and ease. It’s impressive enough to serve guests but simple enough for an after-work meal when all you want is something delicious without a mountain of dishes. Plus, the ingredients are humble, nothing too fancy—just smart cooking that brings everything to life.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Fast and Flavorful: You can have this on the table in 25 minutes or less, with flavor that tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon.
Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy garlic butter sauce, juicy shrimp, and herbed rice—this is comfort food with a coastal twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for lunches or next-day dinners.
Customizable: Add veggies, change up the grain, or adjust the spice level. This recipe is super forgiving.
Minimal Cleanup: One pan for the shrimp and one pot for the rice—done.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

I recommend using large or jumbo raw shrimp—either fresh or frozen and thawed. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and have a great bite that stands up well to the rich garlic butter sauce. I usually go for deveined, tail-on shrimp for presentation, but you can absolutely use peeled and tail-off shrimp for easier eating. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they can become rubbery when reheated in the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

Shrimp: Not a fan of shrimp? Swap in scallops, chunks of white fish, or even boneless chicken breast or thighs. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Rice: Herb rice is amazing here, but you could use jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re cutting carbs.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil—it won’t be quite as rich but still flavorful.
Cream: Use half-and-half, coconut cream, or a cashew cream substitute if needed.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic paste or pre-minced garlic works fine in a pinch.
Herbs: No fresh parsley? Dried will work, or you can use cilantro or basil for a twist.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Shrimp: The star of the dish—juicy, tender, and quick to cook. They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter and cream with bold, aromatic flavor.
Butter: Creates that luxurious, silky base for the sauce and helps the shrimp brown beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the garlic butter sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, umami depth that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle heat kick that balances the richness.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herby finish to both the rice and shrimp.
Cooked Rice: Acts as the hearty base; fluffy and seasoned with herbs to absorb all that creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the shrimp, giving it a light sear and depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer—from the shrimp to the sauce to the rice.

Step 1: Cook the Herb Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. While it’s still hot, stir in chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil or a small knob of butter, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

If your shrimp aren’t pre-cleaned, peel and devein them. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the shrimp in a single layer for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them gently in the sauce until fully coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of water or cream.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon the herb rice into serving bowls. Top with the creamy garlic butter shrimp and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This entire dish comes together quickly—perfect for weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Shrimp Cooking Time: 4 to 5 minutes total (2 minutes per side).
Garlic Butter Sauce: About 5 to 7 minutes to thicken.
Herb Rice: 15 minutes on average, depending on your rice type.

Total cook time: 20 to 25 minutes if you multitask efficiently.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! The second they turn pink and curl, take them off the heat to avoid that rubbery texture.
Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-minced. Slice or mince it finely to release the oils.
Warm the Cream First: If your cream is fridge-cold, it can separate when added to a hot pan. Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before using.
Use a Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet: This helps with even cooking and prevents the shrimp from sticking.
Let the Rice Rest: After it’s cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes so it doesn’t get mushy.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning in the sauce and rice based on your preferences—don’t rely on measurements alone.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once causes them to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast—if it turns brown, it turns bitter. Keep the heat medium-low and stir continuously.
Adding Cheese Too Early: Parmesan should be added after the cream is simmering. If added too soon, it can clump instead of melting smoothly.
Using Cold Shrimp: Let shrimp come to room temp before cooking for even searing.
Skipping the Rice Seasoning: Plain rice won’t carry the dish—make sure it’s well seasoned with herbs, salt, and a bit of fat.
Not Thickening the Sauce Enough: A thin sauce won’t cling to the shrimp—give it a minute or two to reduce before combining.
Letting the Shrimp Sit Too Long: Once cooked, serve right away so the texture stays perfect and the sauce doesn’t thicken too much.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice?

Garlicky Sautéed Greens

Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard tossed in a bit of garlic and olive oil are a great light contrast.

Simple Arugula Salad

A lemony arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and pine nuts adds freshness and crunch.

Toasted Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Something cool and tangy helps balance the richness of the shrimp and butter.

Roasted Vegetables

Think roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful side.

A Crisp White Wine

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the buttery garlic flavors.

Lemon Wedges

A fresh squeeze of lemon over the finished bowl brightens up the entire dish.

Cherry Tomato Skewers

Roasted or grilled cherry tomatoes on skewers add sweetness and acidity to the meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them properly to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture:

Refrigeration: Transfer the shrimp and rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep them separate if possible to maintain texture.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just go slow to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy sauce and shrimp texture don’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 of 4)

Note: These are approximate values based on standard ingredients.

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Cholesterol: 220mg
Sodium: 720mg

This bowl is protein-rich and satisfying—perfect as a full meal without needing extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best—they stay juicy and are easier to cook evenly. Smaller shrimp can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on the timing if you use them.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.

How spicy is the dish?

It has just a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, which is easily adjustable. Add more if you like a kick, or skip it altogether for a milder version.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can make them steam instead of sear.

What kind of rice works best?

I like using jasmine or basmati rice for their fragrance and fluffiness, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if preferred.

How can I make it healthier?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter slightly, and serve with cauliflower rice or a larger portion of vegetables.

Can I prep anything ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the rice in advance and refrigerate it. You can also peel and season the shrimp a few hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. It holds up well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Keep the rice and shrimp stored separately for the best texture when reheating.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is secretly easy and quick to pull off. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. That rich garlic butter sauce, paired with herby rice and plump shrimp, hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, fresh, and satisfying. Try it once and you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation—promise.