If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy shrimp sautéed with fragrant garlic and sprinkled with salty Parmesan cheese sit atop fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that’s simple yet indulgently delicious. The balance of savory herbs, a hint of creaminess, and fresh parsley garnish make every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for any busy day when you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe plays an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the plump shrimp to the fragrant garlic and creamy Parmesan, these components combine to make a dish that’s simple but unforgettable.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites full of natural flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to gently sauté the garlic and shrimp to golden perfection without overpowering them.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a hint of smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a cheesy, savory coating for the shrimp that melts beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, bright contrast to the rich shrimp and cheese.
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option): Serves as the hearty base, fluffy and perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor): The liquid for cooking rice, using broth adds extra depth.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Adds richness and silkiness to the rice once it’s cooked.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce): Makes the shrimp coating luxuriously creamy if you want to take it up a notch.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for extra creaminess): A little extra cheese to finish things off with that irresistible, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing your choice of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, or according to your rice package’s instructions. This simple base will soak up all the amazing flavors from the shrimp and sauce later on.
Step 2: Fluff and Butter the Rice
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the butter if you’re using it—this step makes the rice richer and silkier, turning it into the ideal canvas for your shrimp topping.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes, until it releases its irresistible aroma but hasn’t browned yet. This sets the flavor foundation for your dish, ensuring the garlic’s sweetness shines through without bitterness.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp with Seasonings
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices give the shrimp a beautifully balanced, savory spice profile. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink—cooked just right, juicy and tender.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese to the Shrimp
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Toss everything together so the cheese melts into the shrimp, coating them in a deliciously cheesy, slightly creamy layer that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the fluffy rice between your serving bowls, making a warm bed for the shrimp. Top generously with the garlic Parmesan shrimp. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with a little heavy cream and sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of brightness to tie it all together.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for this dish—it adds a lovely pop of green and a clean herbal note that balances the richness of the shrimp and cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up each bite and add a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. The freshness of these veggies contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice and shrimp in small, individual bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation. You can also add avocado slices or a drizzle of spicy aioli to bring new flavors and textures to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separating them helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and keeps the rice from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp and rice in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. For best results, reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery.
Reheating
Reheat the rice and shrimp separately in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating the rice helps keep it fluffy. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as it can become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté up perfectly and don’t release too much water.
Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is classic here, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor that still complements the garlic and shrimp well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the butter, Parmesan, and heavy cream. You can substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter for a flavorful dairy-free version.
What rice works best for this dish?
White rice is traditional and cooks quicker, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice are great alternatives for a healthier or low-carb twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild with just a touch of warmth from paprika. To add heat, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly easy and quick to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends or just treating yourself to something comforting and delicious, this recipe delivers all the warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness you could want. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!
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Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Rice Bowls are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and Parmesan, served over fluffy rice. With simple ingredients and a creamy finish, this recipe makes a satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Rice
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice, for a healthier option)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Optional Creamy Sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Butter Rice: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Stir in the butter if using, then set the rice aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Parmesan Cheese to Shrimp: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat so the cheese melts into the shrimp.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
- Top with Shrimp: Spoon the garlic Parmesan shrimp evenly over each rice bowl.
- Add Creamy Finish (Optional): If desired, drizzle each bowl with a bit of heavy cream and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the bowls and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich option; just adjust cooking time as necessary.
- Using chicken broth instead of water to cook rice adds extra flavor.
- Heavy cream and extra Parmesan are optional but enhance the creaminess of the dish.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and should be pink and firm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
