Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, feels fresh, and is quick to make, then these Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls are about to be your new favorite go-to dish. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked and tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, buttery goodness with just a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan—simple, yet incredibly satisfying. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it a perfect dinner option when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, these bowls will become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls

These Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls are the ultimate combination of fresh, flavorful, and filling. Here’s why they’re sure to win you over:

Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to cook. No complicated steps—just flavorful, fuss-free goodness!

Bold Flavors

The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan is a flavor trifecta. The shrimp are tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and savory, with a touch of brightness from the garlic and cheese. It’s simple, but oh-so-delicious!

Customizable

Feel free to make this dish your own! Add your favorite veggies, swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or toss in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Satisfying and Filling

The rice serves as the perfect base, absorbing all those flavorful juices from the shrimp and garlic parmesan sauce, making every bite satisfying without feeling too heavy.

Healthy-ish Comfort Food

This meal is full of lean protein from the shrimp and can be made with healthier ingredients like olive oil, making it a lighter take on comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

This dish is made with a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, these shrimp soak up all the delicious garlic parmesan goodness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory, aromatic kick that infuses the shrimp and sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the garlic parmesan sauce, making it oh-so-creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: The perfect finish for this dish, adding a salty, nutty flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the shrimp and giving it that perfect sear.
• Cooked Rice: A fluffy base for the shrimp and sauce, you can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break down how to make these Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls:

Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice. If you’re using white or brown rice, follow the package instructions. For cauliflower rice, just sauté it in a little olive oil for a few minutes until tender. Once done, set the rice aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can turn rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the butter, creating a creamy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for a little extra heat if you like.

Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic parmesan sauce until they’re fully coated. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for a minute or two to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Assemble the Rice Bowls

Spoon a generous amount of rice into each bowl, then top with the garlic parmesan shrimp. Drizzle any extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a little freshness, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (based on 1 serving per person)
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls

These Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls are great on their own, but you can elevate your meal with a few simple sides:

• Steamed Veggies: Serve with some steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach for a balanced meal that’s full of nutrients.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp and buttery sauce.
• Garlic Bread: For a truly indulgent meal, serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors even more and balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls extra delicious:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them while they’re in the skillet. Overcooking them will result in tough shrimp, so aim for that perfect pink and opaque color for the best texture.

Use Fresh Garlic

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It gives the sauce that authentic, aromatic garlic punch that’s hard to beat.

Add Veggies

Feel free to toss in some veggies to make this dish even more wholesome. Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would work beautifully with the shrimp and garlic parmesan sauce.

Adjust the Parmesan

If you love a cheesy flavor, don’t be shy about adding extra parmesan to the sauce. You can also add some grated mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture if you’d like.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can either thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for a quicker option.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter and parmesan substitute to make this dish dairy-free. There are plenty of great vegan cheese options available these days!

Q3: Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?
A3: Yes, cauliflower rice works wonderfully for a low-carb option! It absorbs the flavors of the garlic parmesan sauce just like regular rice, making it a great substitute.

Q4: Can I add other seasonings to the shrimp?
A4: Of course! Feel free to season the shrimp with your favorite spices. A little paprika, Italian seasoning, or even some lemon zest would complement the flavors beautifully.

Q5: Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat them in the garlic parmesan sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Q7: Can I add a creamy element to this dish?
A7: Yes! For a creamier version, you can add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic parmesan sauce. This will create a richer, more indulgent base for the shrimp.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for some heat, or toss in a finely chopped jalapeño or other chili peppers to give the dish a little kick.

Q9: Can I make this dish in advance?
A9: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the shrimp and make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time and then assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

Q10: What type of rice is best for this dish?
A10: You can use any type of rice you prefer. White rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice work great, but feel free to use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls are a winning combination of savory, creamy, and satisfying all in one bowl. With tender shrimp, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and fluffy rice, this dish has everything you need for a comforting yet light meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your shrimp, make that delicious garlic butter sauce, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort that’s ready in just 20 minutes!

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