Delicious creamy garlic pepper shrimp with herb rice on a plate

Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

by
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

why make this recipe

This dish cooks fast. It tastes rich and bright. The cream and garlic make a smooth sauce. The pepper gives a little bite. Serve it with rice for a full, easy meal. You can also try this with roasted sides like balsamic roasted mushrooms if you want more vegetables.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

introduction

This is Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice. You cook shrimp quickly and mix them with a simple cream sauce. The rice soaks up the sauce. This meal works on busy nights and for guests. It is easy to change to your taste.

how to make Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

Follow the directions below step by step. Keep heat medium or medium-high so shrimp cook fast and the sauce becomes smooth. If you like a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer. For a similar creamy dinner idea, see this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe for inspiration.

Ingredients :

  • 250g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked white rice

Directions :

  1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add cooked shrimp back to the sauce. Toss to coat and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  6. Plate the shrimp with the creamy sauce alongside white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a final grind of black pepper.

how to serve Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

Spoon the shrimp and sauce over the rice. Add a sprinkle of parsley and more black pepper if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish.

how to store Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

Cool the shrimp and rice before storing. Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick.

tips to make Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

  • Dry the shrimp well so they sear and get color.
  • Do not overcook shrimp. They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
  • Warm the cream slightly before adding to the pan to avoid cooling the skillet too much.
  • For a one-pot creamy twist, try ideas like one-pot creamy garlic pasta to learn how to keep sauce smooth and rich.

variation (if any)

  • Add a handful of spinach to the pan at step 5 for more greens.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Swap rice for pasta or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Remove extra water so shrimp sear well.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream or coconut cream. The flavor will change slightly but it still works.

Q: How long do I cook the shrimp?
A: About 1–2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce ahead, but add the shrimp at the end to avoid overcooking.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not by default. Add red pepper flakes or extra black pepper for spice.

Conclusion

For another take on creamy garlic shrimp and extra ideas, see Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Ahead of Thyme.

Creamy Garlic Pepper Shrimp with Herb Rice

A rich and bright dish featuring quickly cooked shrimp in a smooth cream sauce, served with herb rice for a complete meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 250 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
  • 1 cup cooked white rice Can swap for pasta or cauliflower rice.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  2. Add cooked shrimp back to the sauce. Toss to coat and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
Serving
  1. Plate the shrimp with the creamy sauce alongside white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and a final grind of black pepper.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick. For a one-pot variation, consider also making one-pot creamy garlic pasta.