Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

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Plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce might just be the ultimate comfort food. Add to that a bed of fragrant herb rice and you’ve got a bowl that’s equally cozy and impressive. This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast yet rich with flavor.

What makes this bowl irresistible is the way the creamy sauce hugs every bite of shrimp, coating it with buttery garlic goodness. The rice underneath soaks up all that saucy flavor and gets even more life from a mix of fresh herbs. It’s one of those meals that tastes restaurant-level but comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen.

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

This recipe checks all the boxes for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a burst of rich flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

The combination of creamy garlic sauce and herbs feels indulgent, but it’s not overly heavy. Plus, shrimp cooks incredibly fast, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening. You can also customize the herb rice with whatever you have on hand, making it flexible and fridge-friendly.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this dish, large or jumbo shrimp work best. You want shrimp that hold their shape well and offer a satisfying bite. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry so they sear properly. Tail-on shrimp look beautiful for presentation, but tail-off makes for easier eating — it’s up to you.

Opt for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save time. If you can find wild-caught shrimp, even better for flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can become rubbery when reheated in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

To create a bowl that bursts with comfort and freshness, we start with a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering the layers of flavor that make this dish so memorable.

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Cooked rice
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill or basil

Shrimp brings the main protein punch and loves to soak up that creamy sauce. Butter forms the base of the sauce, lending rich flavor, while garlic gives it the signature kick. Heavy cream adds the velvety texture, and a bit of Parmesan cheese helps thicken and deepen the flavor. Lemon juice lifts the dish with acidity and brightness. Salt and pepper are the classic flavor enhancers.

The cooked rice becomes the comforting base, with fresh parsley and fresh dill or basil stirred in to bring a bright, herby contrast to the richness of the sauce.

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

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Lemon

Stir in grated Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes more to warm through and let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Prepare the Herb Rice

Stir chopped parsley and dill or basil into freshly cooked rice. Add a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon the herb rice into bowls and top with creamy garlic butter shrimp. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

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

This creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for small gatherings or a cozy family dinner. When serving, be sure to ladle extra sauce over the herb rice to capture every drop of that buttery, garlicky goodness. Garnish with a little extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness right before serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The rice may absorb some of the sauce during storage, so reviving it with a bit of liquid keeps things creamy.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

Steamed or Roasted Asparagus

Its natural crunch and earthy flavor make it a refreshing side to balance the creaminess of the shrimp.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette

Something to soak up any leftover sauce is always a good idea.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A crisp, cool salad brings contrast and freshness to the richness of the bowl.

Lemon Roasted Broccoli

Adds a zesty twist and more green to your plate.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Keeps the meal light but flavorful, with complementary garlicky notes.

White Wine or Sparkling Water with Citrus

For drinks, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a citrus-infused sparkling water pairs beautifully.

Grilled Zucchini Ribbons

Adds a smoky, summery side that blends well with the buttery shrimp.

A Light Dessert Like Lemon Sorbet

To end on a refreshing note, go for something cool and tart to cleanse the palate.

Want More Seafood Bowl Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice, there are even more flavor-packed bowls to discover on Luna Meals. Each one brings something fresh and exciting to the table:

• Try our Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a summer-inspired combo with a hint of smokiness.
• Dive into the zesty twist of Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa if you love tropical flavors.
• Craving more comforting creaminess? Check out our Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for a luxurious seafood indulgence.
• For a rice bowl with bold flair, the Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri are a vibrant, herbaceous pick.
• Or give your weeknight a twist with the quick and satisfying Easy Chicken Fried Rice.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime you need something flavorful and fast.

Have you tried making it with scallops or added chili flakes for heat? I’d love to hear how yours turned out in the comments. Your feedback helps bring these dishes to life for others too!

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Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is all about simple luxury. It combines rich, velvety sauce with fresh herbs and tender shrimp for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a weekend dinner with friends, this is the kind of recipe that delivers every single time.

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