Looking to impress your family with an easy yet delicious dinner? Try my One-Pan Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice! This dish packs vibrant flavors and creamy goodness, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. With simple ingredients like shrimp, rice, and a zesty sauce, you’ll have a meal that’s quick to make and delightful to eat. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious dish that will elevate your weeknight dining!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
This dish starts with fresh shrimp, which gives it a bright flavor. I love using long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine. It cooks well and adds a lovely texture. For the broth, chicken or vegetable options work great.
The creamy sauce is the star here. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Minced garlic adds a nice punch. The lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing brightness.
Don’t forget the spinach! It wilts beautifully and adds color and nutrients. Olive oil enhances the flavors and helps cook the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, fresh parsley makes a perfect garnish. If you want a bit of flair, add lemon slices on top. This dish looks as good as it tastes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great.
3. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. Once done, take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.
Cooking the Rice
1. In the same pan, add 1 cup of long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine. Toast it for about 2 minutes by stirring often. This helps the rice get a nice flavor.
2. Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, along with the zest and juice of 1 lemon.
3. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender.
Final Assembly
1. After the rice is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach.
2. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
3. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently fold them into the creamy rice.
4. Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Enjoy your one-pan creamy lemon garlic shrimp rice!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Dish
To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their taste.
Adjusting the creaminess is easy. If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. For a lighter dish, use less cream or swap it with a dairy-free alternative. Taste the dish as you cook. Add salt and pepper to reach your preferred flavor.
Cooking Equipment Recommendations
The best pan for this recipe is a large skillet. A non-stick skillet works well for easy cleanup. It helps prevent the rice from sticking. If you have a wide skillet, use that for better heat distribution.
For utensils, have a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon. These tools help you stir without scratching the pan. A measuring cup for the broth and cream will also help keep your ratios right.
Presentation Suggestions
Garnishing adds a nice touch. Use fresh parsley for bright color and flavor. Lemon slices can also add a pop of color and an extra zing.
When serving, use shallow bowls. This method shows off the creamy rice. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added richness. Consider serving the dish with a simple green salad to balance the meal.
Variations
Dietary Substitutes
If you want to make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. These alternatives give a rich taste without dairy. For a gluten-free option, choose rice like jasmine or basmati. Both work well and keep the dish light and tasty.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick too. For extra nutrition, toss in veggies like bell peppers or peas. They add color and crunch, making your meal even better.
Alternative Protein Options
If you don’t have shrimp, you can swap it with chicken or tofu. Chicken needs a bit more time to cook, about 6-8 minutes, until it is no longer pink. Tofu cooks quickly, so just sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until golden. Each option changes the dish but keeps it delicious.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
Store your leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp tender. Stir in a splash of cream to maintain the creamy texture. You want to avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.
Freezing the Dish
You can freeze this dish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It stays good for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in a skillet, adding a bit of cream to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Common Questions about One-Pan Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly. Make sure to drain any excess water before adding them to the pan.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve this dish with a simple salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread also pairs well. For a lighter meal, try some lemon wedges on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to eat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy seasoning blend. Just adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!
We covered how to make a delicious one-pan creamy lemon garlic shrimp rice dish. You learned about the key ingredients, like shrimp, rice, and a creamy sauce. I shared easy steps to prepare and cook the dish, plus useful tips to perfect it. You also discovered different variations and storage tips.
Try this recipe to impress your family or friends. It’s simple but full of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists! Your cooking skills will shine with this dish.
