Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Recipe

Fast and fuss‑free: With minimal ingredients and steps, it’s an easy weeknight winner.
Flavor‑packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that elevates the shrimp and rice.
Creamy finish: Stirring in Parmesan cheese and milk gives the rice a creamy texture that feels slightly like risotto.
Versatile: It works for a family dinner, casual get‑together, or when you simply want a satisfying meal without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

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

1 cup Minute rice (or any rice, cooked according to package directions)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 to 16 ounces extra‑large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons skim milk (or any milk choice)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: extra shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions

Cook the rice: Prepare the Minute rice (or your rice of choice) according to the package directions.
Make the garlic butter sauce: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 2‑3 minutes (or until lightly browned), stirring frequently. Avoid burning the garlic.
Add shrimp and rice: Stir in the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they turn pink (stirring frequently). Then add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
Make it creamy: Add the Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix and stir for 1‑2 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Use any type of rice: Swap Minute rice for long‑grain, jasmine, or basmati rice—just cook it ahead of time.
Add more seafood: Toss in a few scallops or chunks of white fish with the shrimp for a seafood medley.
Make it spicy: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat.
Try alternate bases: Instead of rice, you can use quinoa, couscous, or even pasta.
Use different cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino or Asiago for a similar effect.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if the dish has thickened too much.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

You can use Minute rice for speed, or cook your preferred rice (long‑grain, jasmine, basmati) ahead of time. The key is to have the rice fully cooked before combining with the shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking. Using peeled and deveined shrimp will save you time and effort.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook quickly — they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid over‑cooking, as they can turn rubbery.

Can I skip or reduce the butter?

While butter helps give the sauce its richness and flavor, you could reduce the amount or substitute part of it with olive oil if needed. The texture and flavor may shift slightly.

What if I don’t have milk?

You can use any milk you have — whole milk, 2% milk, or a non‑dairy alternative. For a richer finish, you could use half‑and‑half or cream.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes — steamed broccoli, green beans, peas, or roasted vegetables would pair nicely. You can stir them in at the end or serve on the side.

Is this dish freezer‑friendly?

It’s best stored in the fridge rather than freezer. The texture of shrimp and creamy rice may change when thawed.

How can I make this gluten‑free?

Ensure you use rice (which is naturally gluten‑free) and check that your Parmesan cheese and any other ingredients are certified gluten‑free. The recipe itself does not call for wheat‑based ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the rice ahead and keep it warm. Cook the shrimp and sauce just before serving for the best texture. If you cook everything ahead, store separately and reheat gently to preserve the creaminess.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 4 servings, with the timing and quantities supporting that level.

Conclusion

This garlic butter shrimp and rice dish delivers on both speed and flavor. With everyday ingredients, a 20‑minute prep, and creamy, comforting results, it’s a go‑to meal when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it brings that restaurant‑style richness into your kitchen with minimal fuss.