Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice 1

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If comfort food had a soulmate, this shrimp bowl would be it. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce, paired with fluffy herb-infused rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s a dish that’s rich yet light, indulgent but still refreshing, perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

The beauty of this bowl is its balance—creamy garlic butter shrimp offers a luxurious touch, while the herb rice keeps things bright and fragrant. This combination creates a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made easily at home in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that makes every bite satisfying.


Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Bowl

This recipe is quick, flavorful, and versatile. It’s a one-pan wonder that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, yet delivers bold taste with minimal effort. The creamy garlic butter shrimp feels indulgent, while the herb rice adds freshness and comfort. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to scale up for a crowd or down for a simple solo dinner.


What Kind of Shrimp Works Best?

For this recipe, large or jumbo shrimp are ideal—they cook quickly, stay juicy, and provide that satisfying bite. While fresh shrimp deliver the best flavor, frozen shrimp (that’s properly thawed and patted dry) works wonderfully too. Just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking for the best texture and presentation.


Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating flavor and balance. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Shrimp – The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender bites.
  • Butter – Creates the creamy, velvety base of the sauce.
  • Garlic – Adds depth and a bold aromatic flavor.
  • Heavy Cream – Balances the richness of butter and ties the sauce together.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Gives a nutty, salty finish to the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley – Brightens the dish and enhances freshness.
  • Cooked Rice – Serves as the hearty base of the bowl.
  • Herbs (basil, thyme, or dill) – Infuse the rice with fragrance and subtle earthy flavors.
  • Lemon Juice – Lifts the richness and adds a hint of acidity.
  • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
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How To Make the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures they sear beautifully without turning watery.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes before adding Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 5: Build the Bowl

Spoon herb rice into bowls, top with creamy garlic butter shrimp, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.


Serving and Storing the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The creamy garlic butter sauce keeps the shrimp moist, and the herb rice holds its flavor even after reheating.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or a little water to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating to keep them tender.


What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

While this dish is complete on its own, pairing it with sides can elevate the meal. Here are some tasty options:

Garlic Bread

A golden, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect tool for scooping up that luscious sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

A light veggie side that balances the richness of the shrimp bowl.

Roasted Asparagus

Its earthy crunch pairs wonderfully with creamy seafood flavors.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Adds a sweet, smoky touch that complements the buttery sauce.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a bright, Mediterranean vibe.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients—it works beautifully with garlic-forward dishes.

Crusty French Baguette

For those who love dipping bread into sauce, this is a must-have side.


Want More Seafood Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl has your taste buds dancing, you’ll love exploring more seafood-inspired recipes. Check out these delicious options on NoraNosh:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you’ll have it ready whenever the craving hits!

And once you try it, come back and share your thoughts. Did you go heavy on the herbs or keep it simple? Maybe you paired it with extra veggies? I love hearing how you make recipes your own.

For even more flavorful meal inspiration, explore beautifully curated recipes on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dish.


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Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice 1

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice


  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crave-worthy, weeknight-easy, and dinner-party fancy—this Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice serves buttery, garlicky shrimp in a velvety cream sauce over fluffy lemon-herb rice. It’s comforting yet bright, ready in about 35 minutes, and perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re hunting easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or versatile food ideas that work for meal prep, this bowl checks every box. It also fits anytime searches like quick breakfast (savory rice bowl lovers), healthy snack (scaled-down portion), breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, and an easy recipe that tastes restaurant-quality without the fuss.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry

1 tbsp olive oil

5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill or basil)

1/2 tsp lemon zest


Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine rice, broth, butter, and lemon zest. Boil, then simmer 15 minutes; rest 5 minutes. Fluff, fold in herbs, season.

2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; pat dry again.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter; sear shrimp 1–2 min per side. Transfer to a plate.

4. Add 2 tbsp butter; sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 30–45 sec.

5. Stir in cream; simmer 2–3 min. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

6. Off heat, whisk in remaining 2 tbsp butter, lemon juice, and zest.

7. Return shrimp and juices; toss to coat. Adjust seasoning.

8. Divide herb rice among 4 bowls; spoon shrimp and sauce over top.

9. Garnish with parsley and extra zest; serve immediately.

Notes

Finish with a knob of cold butter for extra gloss without more cream.

For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half for half the cream and reduce Parmesan to 1/4 cup.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 630
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 1260
  • Fat: 32
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 32
  • Cholesterol: 260

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, shrimp bowl, herb rice, easy dinner, weeknight meals, seafood recipe, quick breakfast, healthy snack, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas

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