Creamy Rice and Shrimp Recipe
This creamy rice and shrimp recipe is the perfect easy-to-make comfort food! It’s a one pot meal filled with nourishing ingredients that can be made in under 30 minutes. Especially in the colder months, this is a regular in our repertoire.
There are rarely leftovers when we make this creamy rice and shrimp recipe. In our house, we call this shrimp risotto, and while very similar, it’s technically not an actual risotto. Risotto uses a starchy, short grain of rice and gets its signature creamy texture by the starch releasing while cooking.
Medium grain rice is what we typically have in our house and is what I use in this recipe. I also add cream to give it that smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients and Swaps in Creamy Rice and Shrimp
Butter – Butter pairs perfectly in this creamy rice, but a different type of cooking fat could be substituted if needed.
Onion
Garlic
Chicken Broth – I’d recommend chicken broth for the best flavor and added nutrients, but you could substitute water in a pinch.
Rice – I use medium-grain white rice in this recipe. But brown rice or a different grain of rice could be used instead.
Cream
Shredded Cheese – We use our shredded farmhouse cheddar in this recipe, which is most similar to a shredded parmesan cheese.
Shrimp – You could always substitute a different kind of meat or seafood in this recipe.
Sea Salt – We prefer Redmond’s Real Salt.
Optional Additions – Sautéed mushrooms, carrots, peppers, greens, broccoli, peas, etc. would be delicious add-ins to this creamy rice and shrimp.
How To Make Creamy Rice and Shrimp
Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic together in butter on medium-high heat in a medium to large size sauce pan or pot.
Once aromatic, pour in chicken broth and add salt and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and put a tight-fitting lid over the top of the pot. Let rice simmer for 15-18 minutes.
While the rice is simmering is a great time to shred the cheese and prepare any veggies you are adding to this creamy rice.
After the rice has been simmering for 15-18 minutes, remove from heat and let sit with the lid still on for an additional 10 minutes. Avoid the urge to remove the lid as this releases steam that can lead to unevenly cooked or under cooked rice.
While the rice is resting, sauté shrimp over medium to high heat in the remaining butter and then set aside.
When the 10 minutes are up, remove the lid and give the rice a stir to fluff it up and mix the onions and garlic in.
Next, add the shredded cheese and cream to the rice mixture and stir until fully incorporated and the cheese is melted.
If you are adding other vegetables, you can add them and stir them in now.
Depending on your preference, you can either stir the shrimp into the rice mixture and serve, or serve it on the side of the creamy rice and add it to the top of the individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
I prefer not to rinse the rice in this recipe because this removes starch that helps to create the creamy texture that we are looking for in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! I prefer to make the rice in advance, then add the cream, cheese, and any additional add-ins before warming up to serve. Always wait to sauté the shrimp until just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. I prefer to reheat on the stove top or oven. If needed, add a splash of cream, milk, broth, or water if the rice appears dried out.
Creamy Shrimp and Rice Recipe
Yield: 6
Ingredients:
– 4 tbsp butter (divided)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 2 cups rice
– 1 cup shredded cheese
– 2 cups cream
– Optional add-ins: Sauteed mushrooms, carrots, peppers, greens, broccoli, peas, etc.
Directions:
1. In a medium-large sauce pan, sauté onion and garlic in 2 tbsp of butter for 3-4 minutes until aromatic.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add salt and rice. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, place a tight-fitting lid on the pan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 15-18 minutes.
4. While the rice is simmering, shred the cheese and prepare any veggies (if any) that you are adding to the rice mixture.
5. After the 15-18 minutes are up, remove the rice from heat, making sure to keep the lid on and let rest for 10 minutes.
6. While the rice is resting, sauté the shrimp in remaining 2 Tbsp butter.
7. Once the 10 minute is up, stir the rice to fluff it up.
8. Stir in the shredded cheese, cream, and any add-ins until incorporated and cheese is fully melted.
9. You can either stir the shrimp into your rice mixture or serve it on the side.
Enjoy!
For more favorite cozy, one pot meals:
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Tamale Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole with Cheese
Creamy Rice and Shrimp Recipe
This creamy rice and shrimp recipe is the perfect easy-to-make comfort food! It’s a one pot meal filled with nourishing ingredients that can be made in under 30 minutes. Especially in the colder months, this is a regular in our repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups cream
- Optional add-ins: Sauteed mushrooms, carrots, peppers, greens, broccoli, peas, etc.
Instructions
- In a medium-large sauce pan, sauté onion and garlic in 2 Tbsp of butter for 3-4 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and add salt and rice. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, place a tight-fitting lid on the pan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- While the rice is simmering, shred the cheese and prepare any veggies (if any) that you are adding to the rice mixture.
- After the 15-18 minutes are up, remove the rice from heat, making sure to keep the lid on and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While the rice is resting, sauté the shrimp in remaining 2 Tbsp butter.
- Once the 10 minute is up, stir the rice to fluff it up.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, cream, and any add-ins until incorporated and cheese is fully melted.
- You can either stir the shrimp into your rice mixture or serve it on the side. Enjoy!
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