Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Shrimp

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for richer flavor)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Rice

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice

• 3 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp butter

• Pinch of salt

🍚 Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

2. In a pot, bring 3 cups water/broth to a boil.

3. Add rice, salt, and butter.

4. Cover and reduce to low heat.

5. Simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.

7. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

🦐 Step 2: Season & Sear the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.

2. Season with paprika, cayenne, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add shrimp in a single layer.

5. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.

6. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside (do not overcook).

🧄 Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter and let it melt.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds (don’t brown).

4. Pour in chicken broth (or wine) and simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

7. Add Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon juice.

8. Simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.

🔥 Step 4: Combine

1. Return shrimp to the pan.

2. Spoon sauce over shrimp.

3. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and coated.

4. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

🍽️ To Serve

• Plate rice in the center.

• Spoon creamy shrimp generously around and over the rice.

• Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan.

💡 Pro Tips for Restaurant Quality

✔ Use fresh Parmesan — pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Don’t overcrowd the shrimp when searing.
✔ If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth.
✔ For extra richness, add 1 tbsp cream cheese to the sauce.
✔ Want it spicier? Add Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.