Succulent shrimp bathed in garlicky, buttery goodness, paired with a creamy herb-infused rice that’s soft and rich with every bite—that’s what this bowl is all about. It brings together bold flavors and comfort food in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this garlic butter shrimp bowl delivers flavor and satisfaction with every spoonful.

The best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights. With a balance of creaminess, zest, and a touch of spice, the creamy herb rice forms the perfect base for the tender shrimp on top. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and it tastes like something you’d order from your favorite coastal bistro.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

This dish ticks all the right boxes—quick, easy, flavorful, and versatile. If you love garlicky seafood and creamy sides, this recipe will feel like a warm hug at the end of your day. It’s also great for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and feels like a treat without needing fancy ingredients.

You’ll especially love how the creamy herb rice soaks up the garlic butter sauce, creating the most comforting bites. The combination of fresh herbs, a splash of lemon, and rich butter makes it both bright and decadent.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

When it comes to shrimp, size and type do matter. For this recipe, medium to large shrimp are ideal—they cook quickly and stay tender while absorbing all the flavors. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating.

You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you go with frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they tend to become rubbery when reheated in the butter sauce. Look for wild-caught if you can—the flavor is generally cleaner and more vibrant.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This shrimp bowl keeps things simple but flavorful. The ingredient list includes pantry staples and fresh elements that make all the difference. Each one is chosen to enhance the buttery garlic shrimp while creating a luscious base of herb rice that ties everything together.

Shrimp
Butter
Garlic
Lemon Juice
Heavy Cream
Chicken Broth
Parmesan Cheese
Cooked White Rice
Fresh Parsley
Fresh Dill or Basil
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil

The shrimp is the star, offering a tender, juicy bite that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully. Butter brings richness, while garlic delivers that bold aroma and flavor. Lemon juice adds brightness, cutting through the creaminess just enough.

Heavy cream and chicken broth create the base for the herb rice, which gets a nutty, salty kick from Parmesan cheese. Using cooked white rice makes the process quicker, and the final touch of fresh parsley and dill or basil adds a clean, herbal freshness. Seasoning with salt and pepper, and a quick sizzle in olive oil, brings everything together in balance.

The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice 2

How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. This step helps lock in flavor and ensures the shrimp sears well in the pan without excess moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir. Let the sauce simmer lightly while scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Herb Rice

In another saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil and stir in the cooked white rice. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until warmed and slightly thickened. Mix in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and dill or basil. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon the creamy herb rice into serving bowls. Top with the buttery garlic shrimp and drizzle a bit more sauce from the pan over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of herbs and fresh cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy bite.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

This garlic butter shrimp bowl recipe serves about four people, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Each portion is satisfying and well-balanced, thanks to the richness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the rice.

If you’re planning for leftovers, you’re in luck. The creamy herb rice stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The shrimp can also be stored separately and reheated gently to avoid overcooking. When reheating, a splash of broth or cream in the rice helps bring back its luscious texture.

For meal prep, consider storing the shrimp and rice in separate compartments to maintain their best texture. That way, you can quickly reheat and enjoy without compromising the freshness.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

Roasted Asparagus

The crispness and light char of roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with the richness of the shrimp and rice.

Garlic Bread

A side of crusty garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover butter sauce in the bowl.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A refreshing cucumber tomato salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness to this hearty dish.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple steamed broccoli complements the meal without overwhelming it, adding a mild and nutritious green.

Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a nice contrast of texture and a slight tang to balance out the creamy flavors.

Lemon Butter Green Beans

Sautéed green beans tossed in lemon butter offer a crisp and citrusy side dish that feels right at home.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, pairs well with the buttery garlic notes of the shrimp.

Sparkling Lemonade or White Wine

For drinks, go with something refreshing and light. Sparkling lemonade works great, or pair the dish with a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Want More Shrimp Bowl Ideas?

If you’re loving the flavors of this garlic butter shrimp bowl, there’s so much more waiting for you in the world of shrimp and rice-based dishes. Try these next for more weeknight dinner inspiration:

Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli for a one-pan meal that balances sweet, savory, and veggie-packed bites.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta if you’re in the mood for a creamy, romantic dinner with a spicy kick.
Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole brings that oven-baked comfort straight to your table.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon for when you want a buttery garlic seafood twist with a different fish.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you want to switch up the protein but keep that creamy garlic flavor base.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your garlic butter shrimp bowl turned out. Did you go heavy on the herbs or switch up the rice? Maybe you added a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat?

I love hearing how these recipes come to life in your kitchen. And if you have questions or need substitutions, drop them below!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, hearty meals, and more on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites.