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 shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish); 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (dill, basil, or cilantro), chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare. Juicy shrimp are pan-seared in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over fluffy herb-infused rice, making this meal satisfying, quick, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers bold, creamy flavor in such a short amount of time. The shrimp cook quickly, soaking up the garlicky butter sauce, while the herb rice adds a fresh and aromatic base that ties the entire bowl together. Whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for guests, this recipe always delivers. Plus, it’s easy to customize with my favorite herbs or extra vegetables.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped
Cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati)
Fresh herbs (like dill, basil, or cilantro)
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Lemon juice (optional)

Directions

I start by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden. I then remove them from the pan.
In the same skillet, I add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding grated Parmesan.
Once the sauce thickens, I return the shrimp to the pan and coat them in the creamy mixture.
For the herb rice, I mix cooked rice with chopped herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice if I want extra brightness.
I serve the creamy shrimp over the warm herb rice and garnish with more parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 25 minutes total — 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time.

Variations

I sometimes add spinach or baby kale to the skillet for extra greens.
For a spicy kick, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
If I want a lighter sauce, I substitute half the cream with chicken broth.
I also enjoy swapping the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Sometimes, I add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I prefer doing it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to bring the sauce back to life. The shrimp should be heated just until warm to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. I avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery quickly.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, I use frozen shrimp often. I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

What herbs work best for the rice?

I love using parsley, dill, basil, or cilantro, either solo or combined. Fresh herbs really elevate the rice and balance the richness of the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can make it dairy-free by using a plant-based butter and coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream and cheese.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it works well for meal prep, though I recommend storing the shrimp and rice separately and reheating gently to maintain texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice has become one of my favorite go-to meals. It’s rich, savory, and comforting while still being fresh and quick to make. The flavors are restaurant-worthy, and it’s endlessly adaptable depending on what I have on hand. Whether I need a cozy solo dinner or a dish to share, this one always hits the spot.