Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It combines tender, juicy shrimp drenched in a velvety garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy, fragrant herb-infused rice. Each spoonful delivers comfort, elegance, and a burst of rich flavor that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to whip up.

Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe checks all the boxes. The buttery garlic sauce clings to the shrimp beautifully, while the herb rice brings freshness and balance. It’s a perfect harmony of creaminess, spice, and herbaceous notes that make every bite satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This dish is a winner for anyone who loves a fast, flavor-packed meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s rich and creamy without being heavy, and the rice adds a subtle aromatic lift that keeps the dish from feeling too indulgent. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—a true lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something special.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Medium to large shrimp work best here, preferably peeled and deveined with tails off for easy eating. Fresh or frozen both work fine—just make sure they’re fully thawed if frozen. If you can, grab wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they tend to turn rubbery when reheated in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This recipe brings together a mix of comforting and vibrant ingredients that work in harmony. Each item adds a unique flavor or texture to make the final dish deeply satisfying yet refreshingly balanced.

• Shrimp
• Garlic
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Parsley
• Basil
• Cooked rice
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Lemon

Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice for brightness, then return the shrimp to the pan to coat in the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Herb Rice

Mix chopped parsley and basil into freshly cooked rice. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve It All Together

Spoon the herb rice into bowls, top with creamy garlic butter shrimp, and finish with extra herbs or Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This dish is best served fresh when the shrimp is juicy and the sauce silky. Spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp right over a bed of warm herb rice for the ultimate comfort meal. The combination of textures and flavors is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the shrimp tender.

This recipe generously serves 4 people, making it ideal for small family dinners or meal prepping a few indulgent lunches.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

Sautéed Asparagus

The crisp, green bite of asparagus complements the creamy shrimp perfectly.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Their sweet acidity balances the richness of the butter and cream.

Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up every last bit of that garlic butter sauce.

Crisp Green Salad

A light salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Steamed Broccoli

Mild and earthy, broccoli adds nutrition and bulk to the meal.

Grilled Zucchini

Charred zucchini brings smoky depth to the plate.

Lemon Couscous

For a fun twist, swap the herb rice with bright, fluffy couscous.

Chilled White Wine

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a dream pairing.

Want More Shrimp Bowl Ideas?

If you’re loving this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl, you might want to explore some other bold and cozy dishes from the blog:

• Flavorful Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa and Crema for a Caribbean twist.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for something saucy and spicy.
• Seafood Stuffed Shells Recipe if you’re craving a baked seafood delight.
• Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad for a bright and fresh bowl.
• Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi for garlic lovers who want more shrimp perfection.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs or go spicier? Did you try it with lemon couscous instead of rice?

I love hearing how others bring these recipes to life. Got a tip or a twist? Share it with the community!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and creative bowls on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its luscious sauce, tender shrimp, and herbaceous rice, it’s the kind of meal that delivers comfort and flavor with every bite. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to serve for a cozy dinner in. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.

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