Irresistibly Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice in 20 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
This irresistibly easy garlic butter shrimp and rice dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, then combined with fluffy rice and a touch of parmesan for a creamy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Minute Rice
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 12–16 oz Extra Large Shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tablespoons Skim Milk
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup of minute rice or your preferred dry rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 12–16 oz of peeled and deveined extra-large shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring frequently for even cooking.
- Step 4: Pour the cooked rice into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Gently stir to combine, coating the rice and shrimp evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons skim milk, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a mild kick.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of minute rice for a healthier alternative; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Swap skim milk with cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture.
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for best texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep shrimp tender.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used but be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure proper sautéing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free when using minute rice or another gluten-free rice option, but always check your parmesan cheese and other ingredients for any gluten-containing additives.
PrintIrresistibly Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice in 20 Minutes Recipe
A quick and flavorful meal featuring succulent garlic butter shrimp served over fluffy rice, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines rich buttery garlic sauce with tender shrimp and creamy rice for an easy, satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup Minute Rice
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
Shrimp
- 12–16 oz Extra Large Shrimp, peeled & deveined
Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tablespoons Skim Milk
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Begin by preparing 1 cup of minute rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set the rice aside to keep it warm and fluffy, ensuring it’s ready to combine with the shrimp.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic by reducing the heat if necessary.
- Cook Shrimp: Add 12–16 oz of peeled and deveined extra-large shrimp to the skillet. Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Combine Rice & Shrimp: Pour the cooked rice into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Gently stir to combine everything, making sure the rice and shrimp are evenly coated with the buttery garlic sauce.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons skim milk, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a visually appealing and flavorful finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use minute rice for quick preparation, or substitute with regular rice but adjust cook time accordingly.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery; they cook quickly and are done when pink and opaque.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for garlicky flavor.
- For a richer dish, substitute skim milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; you can substitute with cilantro if preferred.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, shrimp and rice, quick dinner, cheesy shrimp, skillet shrimp

