The Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Shrimp and Rice: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
Perfect for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal, this Creamy Shrimp and Rice is an absolute dream for seafood lovers and busy cooks alike! This dish is wonderfully velvety, incredibly delicious, and boasts comforting flavors that will transport you back to cherished family dinners. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but comes together with surprising ease.
Your entire family will adore this simple yet elegant dish, and because it’s so effortless to prepare, you won’t have to spend endless hours slaving away in the kitchen. For a complete and balanced dinner, simply pair it with your favorite quick and fresh vegetable side – creating the perfect meal for any night of the week!
🩵 About This Easy One-Pan Creamy Shrimp and Rice Recipe
It’s time for a recipe refresh! While this beloved creamy shrimp and rice recipe has been a staple on my site for years, I felt it deserved a little rejuvenation. The updated pictures beautifully capture the vibrant colors of the dish, from the bright red of the tomatoes to the warm pink of the succulent shrimp, all punctuated by a lively pop of green from the scallions or chives. This isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s an ode to the simple joy and deliciousness this meal brings to the table.
This creamy rice and shrimp dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished classic in our home. Its appeal lies not only in how incredibly easy it is to prepare, but also in its fantastic flavor and the fact that it’s surprisingly packed with wholesome nutrients. If you’re a fan of shrimp and appreciate a meal that delivers on taste without demanding too much effort, then this dish is an absolute must-add to your culinary repertoire!
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe, and what truly makes it a winner for busy evenings, is that you can **make this entire dish in just one pan**. I completely understand the frustration of creating a wonderful meal only to face a mountain of dirty dishes afterwards. With this fantastic one-pan creamy shrimp and rice recipe, you can **skip the extensive cleanup** entirely, leaving you more time to savor your meal and relax.
And if you’re always on the lookout for more delightful shrimp dinners, be sure to explore these other mouth-watering options: my speedy and delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos or my quick 20-minute Creamy Coconut Shrimp! Each offers a unique and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile seafood.
🧂 Gather Your Simple Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp and Rice
Creating this creamy shrimp and rice masterpiece doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients. In fact, most of what you need might already be in your pantry and fridge! With just about ten minutes of active prep time, this creamy rice and shrimp recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Minced Garlic: This aromatic powerhouse provides a foundational layer of savory flavor, essential for a rich and comforting dish. Freshly minced is always best for that vibrant kick.
- White Rice: The perfect canvas for all the creamy flavors, white rice forms the satisfying base of this dish. For those seeking extra fiber and a slightly nuttier texture, you could easily substitute brown rice – just be aware it may require a little longer to cook and slightly more liquid.
- White Wine: A splash of white wine is key to deglazing the pan and enhancing the inherent sweetness and delicate flavor of the shrimp. It adds a wonderful depth and acidity that brightens the entire dish. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth or even water with a squeeze of lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- Better than Bouillon (Fish or Lobster Base): This is a secret weapon for amplifying the seafood notes, ensuring the dish is bursting with rich, oceanic flavor even without a homemade stock. It truly elevates the entire profile! If you don’t have it, a good quality fish stock or clam juice would be excellent alternatives.
- Shrimp: The star of our creamy dish! Use any size shrimp you prefer, from medium to large. One of the best parts about shrimp is its versatility – you can even cook it directly from frozen, saving you precious time. Shrimp is also an excellent choice because of its sustainability, making it a responsible and delicious option.
- Tomato: A beautifully ripe tomato, chopped and stirred in at the end, provides a vital burst of fresh acidity. This brightness expertly cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce and adds a lovely pop of color. Plus, tomatoes are well-known for their antioxidant properties.
- Half & Half: This is where much of the luxurious creaminess comes from. Half & half strikes a perfect balance, providing richness without being overly heavy. For an even more decadent dish, you could opt for heavy cream, or for a lighter touch, whole milk could work, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese serves multiple purposes here: it helps to thicken the creamy sauce, contributes a wonderful salty, umami flavor, and adds a delightful cheesiness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Chopped Chives (Optional): A final sprinkle of fresh chives adds a delicate oniony freshness and a vibrant green garnish, making the dish visually appealing and enhancing its overall aroma.
🔪 Let’s Make Creamy Shrimp and Rice: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort! This one-pan creamy shrimp and rice recipe is designed for ease and flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dinner every time:
1. Prepare the Rice Base
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or a deep skillet, combine the minced garlic, uncooked white rice, white wine, water, and your chosen fish or lobster bouillon base. Stir everything together gently to ensure the bouillon dissolves evenly. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This initial boil is crucial for cooking the rice and infusing it with flavor from the very start.
2. Add the Shrimp
Once the rice mixture is boiling vigorously, carefully add your shrimp to the pan. Don’t worry if your shrimp is frozen; it will cook perfectly fine directly in the hot liquid. Gently stir the shrimp into the rice mixture, ensuring it’s submerged and distributed evenly. As it cooks, the shrimp will turn a beautiful pink color.
3. Simmer to Perfection
Once the mixture returns to a boil after adding the shrimp, reduce the heat to low, ensuring a gentle simmer. Let your dish cook uncovered for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, stir once or twice to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice should become tender and absorb most of the liquid, and the shrimp should be cooked through, plump, and pink. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep it tender and juicy.
4. Create the Creamy Finish
Now for the luscious finale! Once the rice is cooked and the shrimp is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the half & half and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, smooth, and wonderfully creamy sauce that coats every grain of rice and every piece of shrimp. The warmth of the dish will help the sauce come together beautifully.
5. Final Stir and Serve
Just before serving, stir in your freshly chopped tomato. The heat of the dish will slightly soften the tomato, releasing its juices and adding a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. For an added touch of elegance and a subtle oniony zest, sprinkle some chopped chives on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy creamy shrimp and rice meal!
👪 Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Shrimp and Rice
While fresh shrimp is wonderful if you have easy access to it, frozen shrimp is generally recommended for its convenience, consistency, and often superior freshness due to being frozen shortly after catch. I personally prefer to buy frozen shrimp that is already peeled and de-veined; this simple step dramatically cuts down on prep time and makes cooking so much easier! If you opt for fresh shrimp, try to purchase it the day you plan to cook, or at most one day in advance, to ensure optimal freshness and flavor.
The key to perfectly tender shrimp is quite straightforward: avoid overcooking! Shrimp cooks very quickly, especially when added to a hot liquid. As long as you don’t allow the dish to simmer for too long after adding the shrimp, or if the heat is too high, your shrimp should turn out beautifully tender every single time. Look for shrimp that has turned pink and opaque throughout – this is your visual cue that it’s done. Typically, this takes only a few minutes.
To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, store your creamy shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for about 3-4 days. For convenient and eco-friendly food storage, I highly recommend using food-grade silicone zipper bags or glass containers.
The most simple and effective method for reheating this dish is to gently warm it in the microwave. Start with a minute or so on medium power, then stir and continue heating in 30-second increments until it reaches your desired temperature. For best results and to prevent the rice from drying out, you can add a splash of water, broth, or milk before reheating to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
While not strictly ideal for maintaining the absolute best texture, especially for the shrimp, this dish can certainly be stored in the freezer. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for several months. Be aware that the shrimp might become a bit chewier and the creamy sauce could separate slightly upon thawing. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the reheating instructions above, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
On a budget but love seafood? Don’t let that stop you from enjoying delicious ocean flavors! Stretch your seafood budget with these budget seafood ideas! Learn easy tips to make affordable, delicious dishes with canned or bulk buys, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
💭 Top Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp and Rice
Achieving the perfect creamy shrimp and rice is all about starting with quality ingredients and knowing a few tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your dish is spectacular every time:
When shopping for shrimp:
- **Opt for Frozen for Freshness**: Generally, buying shrimp frozen is a safer bet. They are typically flash-frozen right on the boat, locking in peak freshness. This also offers incredible convenience, allowing you to thaw and cook them whenever you’re ready, without worrying about spoilage.
- **Spotting Fresh Shrimp**: If you’re adventurous and prefer fresh shrimp, inspect them carefully. They should have a mild, oceanic smell, not a strong “fishy” or ammonia odor. The shells should be firm, translucent, and moist, not slimy. Look for solid, intact tails.
- **Choosing the Right Size**: For a recipe like this one, aiming for medium to large-sized shrimp is usually the best option. They provide a satisfying bite and are less prone to overcooking. Mini shrimp can also be a tasty choice if you prefer smaller, more frequent bites.
- **Pre-Peeled and Deveined Saves Time**: To significantly cut down on your prep work, always try to buy shrimp that has already been peeled and deveined. This little shortcut makes a big difference on a busy weeknight!
When shopping for tomatoes:
- **Look for Plump and Juicy**: The best tomatoes for this dish will look plump, vibrant, and feel heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy inside. Their skins should be smooth and taut.
- **Check for Blemishes**: The skin should be mostly free of significant bumps, soft spots, or bruises. A little cracking near the stem is perfectly normal and often a sign of ripeness.
- **Smell for Fragrance**: A truly ripe tomato will have a lovely, sweet, earthy fragrance at the stem end. If there’s no aroma whatsoever, it likely means the tomato was picked too early and may not ripen properly or have much flavor.
- **Consider Ripeness for Usage**: If you plan to use the tomatoes right away, choose ones that are slightly soft to the touch. If you don’t need them for a few days, select firmer tomatoes that can ripen on your counter.
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📖 Delicious Variations for Your Creamy Shrimp and Rice
While the classic creamy shrimp and rice recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the dish to your taste or what you have on hand:
- **Alternate Seafood Choices**: Though shrimp is my top suggestion, almost any kind of seafood would be delicious in this creamy rice dish. Consider adding crab meat, scallops, lobster, mussels, or even calamari rings for an interesting twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as some seafood cooks faster than shrimp.
- **Different Rice Options**: Don’t limit yourself to white rice! Brown rice, for instance, offers a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor, along with increased nutritional value and fiber. Keep in mind that brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time (often 40-45 minutes). You could also try arborio rice for a risotto-style creaminess, though that would involve a different cooking method.
- **Boost the Veggies**: For even more flavor and to increase the healthiness of this meal, integrate additional vegetables! Some chopped asparagus, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), frozen peas, or fresh spinach would deepen the flavor profile, add vibrant color, and provide extra nutrients. Add heartier vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus with the rice, and tender ones like spinach or peas in the last 5 minutes of simmering. Sautéed mushrooms would also be a fantastic addition.
- **Experiment with Cooking Methods for Shrimp**: If you prefer a different texture for your shrimp, feel free to grill them up first, pan-sear them, or even air fry them separately until perfectly cooked. Then, simply mix them into the creamy rice base at the very end, along with the tomatoes and any other fresh additions. This ensures the shrimp is perfectly cooked to your liking.
- **Enhance the Creaminess**: For a richer dish, swap half & half with heavy cream. For a unique flavor profile, coconut milk can be used for a subtle tropical twist. A dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone could also be stirred in at the end for extra body and tang.
- **Add a Spicy Kick**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Cajun seasoning would also complement the shrimp beautifully.
🍴 Suggested Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Shrimp and Rice
While this creamy shrimp and rice recipe is wonderfully balanced and satisfying on its own, incorporating elements from every corner of the food pyramid, serving it with a delicious side can truly elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic pairings that complement its rich flavors and textures:
🍤 More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true shrimp aficionado, you’re in luck! This versatile and quick-cooking seafood lends itself to an endless array of delicious dishes. Here are a few more fantastic shrimp ideas to keep your meal rotation exciting and flavorful:
Or for something in the seafood category but a little different, try this delicious recipe for Easy Baked Calamari Rings. It comes out crispy and crunchy and makes a great healthy appetizer or a light meal, perfect for satisfying those seafood cravings in a fresh way!
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📋 Recipe Card: Creamy Shrimp and Rice
Creamy Shrimp and Rice
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (not instant rice)
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 ½ cups water
- 3 teaspoons Better than Bouillon (fish or lobster base)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, can be fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ¼ cup half & half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
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In a large saucepan, combine the garlic, rice, white wine, water, and fish/lobster bouillon base and bring to a boil.2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 cup uncooked white rice, ½ cup white wine, 2 ½ cups water, 3 teaspoons Better than Bouillon
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Add the seafood (OK if it is still frozen) and mix.1 pound shrimp
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Once it returns to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the rice is cooked.
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Add half & half and Parmesan cheese.¼ cup half & half, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Right before serving, stir in the chopped tomato. Sprinkle with chopped chives (optional).1 medium tomato, chopped, 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Notes and Pro Tips
- **Bouillon Alternatives**: If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon on hand, you can successfully substitute it with a good quality fish stock. In a pinch, chicken broth will also work, and the dish will still be tasty, but be aware that it will subtly change the overall flavor profile.
- **Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp for Convenience**: I highly recommend using frozen shrimp for this dish, though fresh shrimp works just as well. My preference for frozen is purely for the flexibility it offers in meal planning. If unexpected events arise, you don’t have to worry about fresh seafood spoiling. Just thaw and cook when ready!
- **Speed Up Cooking with Pre-Cooked Shrimp**: To significantly reduce your cooking time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. If you do, add it only during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This allows it to warm through without overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- **White Wine Substitutes**: No white wine available or prefer to skip the alcohol? No problem! You can easily substitute it with chicken broth, vegetable stock, or even water with a generous splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
- **Add Extra Vegetables**: For more color, texture, and nutritional value, stir in some fresh or frozen chopped bell pepper while the rice is simmering. Other excellent additions include fresh spinach (stir in at the very end until wilted), frozen peas (add in the last few minutes), or blanched asparagus pieces.
- **Customize Creaminess**: If you desire an even richer dish, swap the half & half with heavy cream. For a unique and slightly unexpected flavor with a subtle tropical hint, try using full-fat coconut milk.
- **Storing Leftovers**: Store any remaining creamy shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Ensure it cools completely before storing.
- **Reheating Leftovers**: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add a splash of water, broth, or milk if needed to loosen the consistency and restore its creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
- **Freezing for Longer Storage**: While it’s not truly ideal as freezing can affect the texture of the shrimp (making it a bit tougher) and the creaminess of the sauce (which might slightly separate), you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for several months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creative Ideas for Using Leftovers:
- **Shrimp & Rice Fritters**: Give your leftovers a second life! Mix the creamy shrimp and rice with a beaten egg and a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into small patties and pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a zesty dipping sauce.
- **Stuffed Bell Peppers**: Hollow out some colorful bell peppers. Stuff them generously with the creamy rice and shrimp mixture. Bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and slightly browned on top. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before baking would be delicious!
- **Quick Shrimp Fried Rice**: Chop the leftover shrimp into smaller pieces. In a hot wok or large skillet, stir-fry the creamy rice and shrimp mixture with a dash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and any extra vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peas, or scrambled egg. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftovers into an entirely new meal!
Video Tutorial
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on common ingredient values. The precise nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on specific measuring differences, brands, and products used in your preparation.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in July 2014, and was comprehensively republished with detailed tips, step-by-step photos, and a refined recipe in January 2025 to offer an even better cooking experience.
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Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
