One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl 4 Epic Savory

One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl is the dish I reach for when the day is packed but I still crave restaurant-worthy flavor. As a professional chef sharing Cookeroni’s kitchen-tested classics, I designed this recipe to feel indulgent without the heavy lifting. It’s a weeknight luxury: juicy shrimp seared in garlic butter, finished with a silky, creamy garlic sauce, and served over fluffy rice—all in one pan for quick cleanup. This article walks you through how to recreate that weeknight magic in about 25 minutes, with practical tips for busy homes, professional moms, and anyone who loves bold flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s dive in and make weeknights delicious again.

Table of Contents

what make this One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl special

When my day races from meeting to meeting, I reach for comfort in a skillet.
One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl gives restaurant vibes with minimal cleanup.
I designed it for busy evenings and comforting flavors that come together fast in twenty minutes.

Why this dish speaks to busy households

Busy households crave meals that come together fast.
This One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl keeps weeknights simple.
Searing shrimp in garlic butter, then finishing in a creamy sauce, comforts everyone.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl

One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the ease your weeknights demand. I adore how the skillet handles it all—sautéing, simmering, and serving—so cleanup stays tiny. In under 25 minutes you get glossy garlic butter shrimp spooned over fluffy rice, finished with a dreamy sauce you can’t resist. It feels indulgent, yet it’s practical and kid-friendly enough for busy families.

Benefits for busy moms and professionals

Its one-pan approach saves time and dishwashing, two big wins for busy schedules. The flavors stand up to picky palates, but the creamy sauce shines for adults too. It scales with your week—make a double batch for lunches or leftovers, and you’re set.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, with exact measurements.
I’ve written quick notes so you can shop fast and cook with confidence.
If you want a printable version, the exact quantities are at the bottom of the article for your notes.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — juicy and ready to sear into flavor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — helps crisp the shrimp and keeps them from sticking.
• 3 tbsp butter — the base for that glossy garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — bold aroma and depth; adjust to taste.
• ½ tsp salt — enhances shrimp and sauce; tweak for your preference.
• ½ tsp black pepper — brightens and adds a touch of heat.
• ½ tsp paprika — smoky warmth and color.
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning — a little herb lift for the sauce.
• ½ cup heavy cream — makes the sauce rich and silky.
• ¼ cup chicken broth — thin the sauce and help deglaze the pan.
• 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice — the fluffy base for the shrimp and sauce.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions (optional) — fresh color and brightness.

Tips and substitutions: If you’re dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil plus a splash of dairy-free cream. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free chicken broth. You can swap jasmine rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice to mix textures, but note timing changes.

Ingredient highlights and why they matter

Shrimp brings lean protein and quick cooking time.
Garlic anchors the aroma and flavor that makes the skillet sing.
Cream creates the silkiness that makes the sauce feel luxurious.
The seasonings—salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning—balance sweetness and depth.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sear shrimp to flavor base

I start the One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl by heating olive oil and butter.

When it sizzles, I add shrimp and spices.

Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp to a plate.

Tip: don’t overcook (If necessary)

Tip: don’t overcook. Shrimp stay tender when removed promptly.

Step 2: Build the creamy garlic butter sauce

Back in the pan, I add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then I pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Tip: deglaze with chicken broth

Use the broth to deglaze and lift the browned bits.

Step 3: Combine with rice and finish

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Let everything warm together for 1–2 minutes.

Serve over warm rice and garnish if desired.

Optional: garnish ideas

Parsley or green onions brighten the dish and add color.

Tips for Success

• Have all ingredients measured and ready. This keeps the One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl moving quickly without stalling.
• Use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding; a proper sear beats steaming and gives glossy shrimp.
• Keep heat moderate; you want sizzle without burning garlic.
• Prep garlic, parsley, and rice the moment you start; it streamlines finishing.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end for a balanced creamy sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch) — nonstick works best.
• Spatula and tongs for flipping and saucing.
• Measuring spoons and a measuring cup for accuracy.
• Sharp knife and cutting board for garlic prep.
• Optional: kitchen timer or smartphone to track simmer time.
• Heat-safe trivet or silicone mat for hot pan.

Variations

• One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl variations: keep the core, swap dairy, grains, or protein.
• Gluten-free and dairy-free: swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free cream. Use gluten-free broth.
• Grain swaps: try brown rice for nuttier texture or cauliflower rice for lighter texture; adjust time.
• Spice level: add red pepper flakes or a dab of chili paste for a gentle kick.
• Citrus lift: finish with lemon juice and zest to brighten the sauce and cut richness.
• Veggie boost: add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the garlic for color and nutrition.
• Protein swaps: use scallops or chicken; adjust cooking times to keep meat tender.
• Make-ahead: pre-cook the rice and store; stir-shine the shrimp and sauce when ready to serve.
• Kid-friendly tweak: mellow the paprika and garlic; serve with a side of steamed broccoli or peas.

Serving Suggestions

• I plate the bowls with a nest of rice and shrimp, drizzle sauce, garnish with parsley.
• I pair with a green salad and a glass of cold white wine.
• For kid-friendly vibes, I serve roasted broccoli or steamed peas on the side.
• Finish with a lemon wedge on the rim.

Extra Value: Make it your own with flavor boosts for One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl

One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl is a flexible canvas I love using.

It fits my fridge odds and ends.

Flavor boosts include lemon zest. A dash of chili flakes and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

For dairy-free weeks, swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free cream.

Make-ahead tips: cook the rice early, chop garlic, and marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes.

Store the sauce separately and mix just before serving.

Meal prep: double the batch of shrimp and sauce on Sunday.

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Kids-friendly tweaks: reduce paprika, skip hot spices, and add peas or corn.

Serve with greens on the side for color and balance.

Pro tip: keep a small jar of tweaks.

You can remix One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl in minutes.

FAQs

Is this gluten-free and dairy-friendly as written?

In my kitchen, this dish stays gluten-free when I choose a certified gluten-free broth. It does contain dairy from butter and heavy cream, so it isn’t dairy-free by default. To make it dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream.

Can I use leftover rice or swap in another grain?

Leftover rice works beautifully and speeds things up. If you swap to another grain, watch the timing—brown rice or quinoa needs more time, while cauliflower rice cooks quickly. I sometimes use cauliflower rice for a lighter version, and I adjust the sauce to keep it saucy.

How can I make this dish spicier without losing creaminess?

To spice it up, I add red pepper flakes or chili paste when cooking the garlic. Stir in gradually and taste as you go, keeping heat moderate so the sauce stays silky. The dairy helps mellow the heat, so you can dial it up safely.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the shrimp?

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. It warms evenly and preserves the sauce. I don’t rush it; I want the shrimp tender and the sauce glossy.

Can I substitute shrimp with another protein in this one-pan method?

Yes. I like scallops or sliced chicken breast for variety. Tofu works for a dairy-free version. Adjust the cooking times so the protein stays tender, and let the creamy garlic butter sauce tie everything together.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl stays reliably comforting on chaotic nights.
I love how it makes leftovers into lunches for busy mornings and easy dinners.
It delivers warmth and bold flavor with minimal fuss today.

Every time I cook it, the pan does the heavy lifting.
Shrimp stay juicy, garlic butter sings, and the creamy sauce clings to each grain.
It feeds a busy family and leaves clean plates.

This dish stays reliably comforting on chaotic nights.
It delivers warmth, bold flavor, and minimal fuss everywhere, honestly.
My go-to for busy families, always at dinnertime, friends.

Print