A Quick, Flavor-Packed Bowl That Feels Like a Hug in Every Bite
If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is your new best friend. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce, served atop fluffy, fragrant herb-infused rice—simple, elegant, and totally crave-worthy.
It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress without the stress. Trust me, once you taste that buttery, garlicky goodness balanced with fresh herbs, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for dinner any night of the week, and easily adaptable with different herbs or add-ins like veggies.
Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients that give you maximum flavor without a fancy grocery run.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable: Swap shrimp for chicken or add a squeeze of lemon or chili flakes for extra zing.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor—shrimp lovers and beginners alike will enjoy this bowl.

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Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Let’s break down the key players making this dish so irresistible:
Shrimp
Juicy, tender, and quick-cooking—shrimp soak up the garlicky butter sauce beautifully.
Garlic Butter Sauce
A dreamy combo of butter, garlic, and cream (or cream substitute), creating a luscious coating for the shrimp.
Herb Rice
Fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, adding brightness and a pop of color.
Lemon Juice
A fresh squeeze to cut through the richness and brighten every bite.
Olive Oil & Seasonings
Simple staples that enhance the natural flavors and make everything sing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, ready to sear those shrimp to perfection.
Prepare the Herb Rice
Cook your rice according to package instructions, stirring in fresh chopped herbs once it’s done.
Sear the Shrimp
Add olive oil and butter to the skillet. Toss in the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque—about 2 minutes per side.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking until fragrant. Stir in cream and a little lemon juice, simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the herb rice into bowls and top generously with the creamy garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge for that final fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Make your bowl even better with these serving suggestions:
- With Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and crunch.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh, tangy salad complements the richness perfectly.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- As a Light Meal: Perfect on its own for a satisfying but not heavy dinner.
- Garnished for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds visual appeal and freshness.
Additional Tips
- Use Deveined, Peeled Shrimp: Saves prep time and makes eating easier.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly—overcooking makes them rubbery.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the rice and store separately to save time on busy nights.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A2: Dried herbs work too—use about a third of the amount of fresh.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Absolutely! Just ensure your broth or cream substitute is gluten-free.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A4: Definitely! Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers are great options.
Q5: What’s the best rice to use?
A5: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice work well, but feel free to use brown rice for a heartier option.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent overcooking shrimp.
Q8: Can I add a splash of white wine?
A8: Yes! Adding a splash before the cream makes the sauce even more flavorful.
Q9: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A9: Very! Mild, creamy, and flavorful without being spicy.
Q10: What kind of skillet is best?
A10: A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works great for even cooking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice hits all the right notes—rich, fresh, comforting, and easy. It’s a quick way to turn simple ingredients into something special, whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests. Whip it up any night of the week and enjoy a bowl full of buttery, garlicky goodness that feels like a little celebration in every bite.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice features tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, served over fluffy herb rice for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in half the chopped parsley and thyme into the cooked rice; fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add shrimp back into the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat, drizzle lemon juice over shrimp, and garnish with remaining parsley.
- Serve shrimp and creamy sauce over the herb rice bowls.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap parsley and thyme for basil or cilantro based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg