Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake: A Flavorful Comfort Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Rice Bake:; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for extra flavor); 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); For the Topping:; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (to dot the top of the bake)

When you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavorful, and hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation, Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is the perfect dish to whip up. Combining the richness of garlic butter with succulent shrimp and tender rice, this dish offers a balanced fusion of savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this bake is guaranteed to be a hit.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the dish, creative variations, and how to store leftovers. With its versatile nature and simple preparation, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is an essential recipe to add to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. These measurements will yield a satisfying meal for 4-6 people:

For the Rice Bake:

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for extra flavor)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (to dot the top of the bake)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil and stir in 1 1/2 cups rice. Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp

While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons butter. Once the butter has melted, add 4 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

In the same skillet, add 1 cup chicken broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind from the shrimp. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Step 4: Assembling the Bake

Now that your rice and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the bake. In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom. Pour the garlic butter sauce mixture over the rice, making sure it covers everything. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the rice, spacing them out evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp and rice, and dot the top with 1 tablespoon butter. This will create a deliciously golden, bubbly topping.

Step 5: Baking

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they’re pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
Season Well: The garlic butter sauce is key to bringing out the rich flavors of this dish. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your taste.
Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp can be used, fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture.
Pre-cook the Rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the dish to avoid any crunchy bits in the final bake.

Conservation and Storage

This dish stores wonderfully for leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Here’s how to preserve it:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until heated through.
Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for future use. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the bake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until fully heated, about 25-30 minutes.

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap them out for chicken, salmon, or even a mix of your favorite seafood.
Add Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, stir in some sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking.
Use Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, substitute the regular rice with cauliflower rice. You’ll get the same creamy texture with fewer carbs.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is a complete dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Green Salad: Serve with a fresh side salad, dressed in a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving a little extra indulgence, pair the bake with crispy garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light and nutritious contrast to the creamy rice bake.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is a show-stopping dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic butter, tender shrimp, and creamy rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish is both beginner-friendly and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party, feed your family, or meal prep for the week, this recipe has got you covered. With variations to suit different dietary needs, you can always make it your own. It’s a versatile, comforting dish that is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake: A Flavorful Comfort Dish

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

When you’re craving a comforting, savory, and quick meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bake is the answer. This hearty dish combines garlic butter, succulent shrimp, and tender rice into a satisfying, flavorful bake that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an easy dish to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice Bake:

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for extra flavor)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (to dot the top of the bake)

Instructions

Preparing the Rice:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Set aside.

Cooking the Shrimp:
While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 1-2 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Turn off the heat, then stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Assembling the Bake:
In your prepared baking dish, evenly spread the cooked rice across the bottom. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the rice, making sure it’s fully covered. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the rice. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp and rice, and dot the top with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Baking:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Shrimp Cooking Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan. Once they’re pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately.

Rice: Be sure your rice is fully cooked before assembling the dish. It will absorb the sauce in the bake, making it tender and flavorful.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.