The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice

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When weeknights call for something comforting yet indulgent, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice is the answer. Juicy, tender shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with a bed of herbed rice that’s creamy and aromatic enough to steal the show—it’s an easy dinner that feels restaurant-quality.

The magic lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are seared until golden and infused with the richness of garlic and butter, while the rice gets a velvety finish from cream and herbs like parsley and dill. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to every time you want something satisfying without needing a million ingredients or much time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This dish checks all the right boxes: quick to prepare, full of flavor, and visually impressive. The garlic butter sauce brings indulgence without being heavy, and the creamy herb rice makes it feel like a complete meal in every bite. It’s also easy to customize—you can swap out herbs based on what you have or add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.

With simple ingredients and just one skillet and one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or treating yourself to a cozy solo night in, this recipe delivers every single time.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well here. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet. Medium to large shrimp are ideal—they stay juicy and flavorful, and their size makes for a beautiful presentation in the bowl.

Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. You can keep the tails on for a more elegant touch or remove them for easier eating—your call!

Ingredients for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice

This dish may taste luxurious, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Every component plays a key role in bringing out the vibrant, comforting flavors that define this shrimp bowl. Fresh herbs brighten the creamy rice, while garlic and butter turn the shrimp into something deeply savory and crave-worthy.

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy Cream
• White Rice
• Chicken Broth
• Fresh Parsley
• Fresh Dill
• Lemon Juice
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Olive Oil

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

Step 1: Cook the Rice Base

Start by bringing your rice to a simmer with chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Once cooked, stir in heavy cream, chopped parsley, and dill. Keep it warm while preparing the shrimp.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a hot skillet, melt butter with olive oil and toss in minced garlic. Let it sizzle just until fragrant, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly golden.

Step 3: Finish with Lemon and Seasoning

Once the shrimp are cooked through, add a splash of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss them in the skillet so they soak up all the garlicky butter.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon a generous helping of creamy herb rice into each bowl and top with garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with extra herbs and another squeeze of lemon if desired.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s easy to overcook shrimp, and once they cross that line, they can become rubbery and dry. Keep your eye on them—as soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, they’re done. Cooking them just a little too long can mean the difference between juicy and tough.

Another common pitfall is using cold shrimp straight from the fridge. Letting them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking ensures even cooking. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter quickly. Let it sizzle gently in the butter and oil before adding the shrimp.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This recipe generously serves four people. It’s perfect as a full meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon-roasted asparagus complements the rich garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Bread

There’s no such thing as too much garlic, and a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A crisp, tangy salad brings refreshing contrast to the creamy rice.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky grilled corn adds texture and summer flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool crunch of a creamy slaw balances the warmth and richness of the bowl.

Sautéed Spinach

Keep things green with lightly sautéed spinach—a fast and nutritious side.

Simple Green Salad

A vinaigrette-dressed green salad keeps things light without competing for flavor.

Want More Shrimp Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice, you might also want to try a few more flavorful shrimp-based creations from the blog:

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a baked cheesy comfort meal.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re feeling bold and crave layers of pasta and sauce.
• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for cozy, creamy soup nights.
• Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a summer-inspired bowl packed with zing and texture.
• Shrimp Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna (sub with shrimp!) for a fun pasta remix.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it anytime.

And if you make this, I’d love to know—did you stick with parsley and dill, or go wild with tarragon or basil? Did you serve it with a side salad or some roasted veggies? Tell me in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and flavorful meals on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite kitchen creation.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice delivers everything you want in a dinner: comforting, quick, and absolutely packed with flavor. From the first buttery bite to the last spoonful of creamy rice, it’s a satisfying dish that fits into weeknight routines or weekend indulgences.

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