Mediterranean-Style Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
This Mediterranean-style Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a fast, flavorful, and luxurious seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a velvety cream sauce enriched with butter, herbs, and Mediterranean accents like sun-dried tomatoes, lemon, and parsley. It’s served over fluffy rice, making it both comforting and elegant.
Ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners, this dish is rich in protein, naturally gluten-free, and can be made in under 30 minutes!
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped (optional)
¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped
¾ cup light cream or half & half
2 tbsp cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon + zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional: ¼ cup chopped olives or artichoke hearts
For Serving:
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mediterranean-style herbed rice)
Lemon wedges, fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions.
Optional: Season with a pinch of salt, lemon zest, and fresh parsley for a Mediterranean touch. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and shallots, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 1 more minute.
Lower heat and pour in cream and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), whisking to combine until smooth.
Add Parmesan (if using), lemon juice, zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the sauce gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the shrimp to the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Stir in fresh parsley or basil.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon shrimp and sauce over a bed of rice.
Garnish with extra herbs, chili flakes, or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should just turn pink and curl slightly.
Add cream off the heat or keep it low to prevent curdling, especially if using Greek yogurt.
Boost flavor with a splash of dry white wine in the sauce before adding cream.
Use pre-cooked shrimp only if reheating very briefly (avoid overcooking).
Variations
Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and olive oil, skip Parmesan.
Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa or Aleppo pepper.
With veggies: Stir in baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms.
Pasta version: Replace rice with linguine, orzo, or penne pasta.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe.
Q: What kind of cream works best?
A: Light cream, half & half, or full-fat milk with a bit of cream cheese work well.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: The sauce can be made ahead. Add shrimp when ready to serve to avoid overcooking.
Q: What rice is best?
A: Basmati, jasmine, or brown rice all work well. Herbed rice (with parsley, lemon, and olive oil) complements it beautifully.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 490
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Cholesterol: 220mg
(Nutrition will vary depending on cream, cheese, and rice type used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean-Style Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice is a one-pan masterpiece that brings together richness and freshness in every bite. Juicy shrimp, a velvety garlic-herb sauce, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients come together beautifully over tender, fluffy rice. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something quick, hearty, and restaurant-quality—without the fuss.