Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, optional

Instructions

1. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Add cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Finish the sauce: Add lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
7. Return the shrimp: Place the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve: Spoon cooked rice onto plates and top generously with the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

💡 Tip

For extra flavor, sauté a little chopped spinach or sun-dried tomato in the sauce before adding the Parmesan.