This Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice is packed with tender shrimp and fluffy white rice, enveloped with a Parmesan and basil cream sauce. It’s easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes!
Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice
It seems I have trouble creating a dish that does not include Parmesan or garlic.
Do you blame me? I throw garlic in practically everything dish that I cook. And cheese? Well, that’s a necessity, too. If I’m not using mozzarella, most likely I’ll add in some Parmesan. What can I say? It’s the name of my game and I’m not one bit sorry.
So for today’s recipe, I decided to add in a twist with some Parmesan and basil. Yes, I did still include garlic, but basil took over as the star of the show for today. Along with Parmesan, of course.
And since I’m all about the easy recipes here at Pumpkin ‘N Spice, this Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice would make a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
The hubster and I love any type of seafood, and whenever we want a quick dinner, we often turn to salmon or shrimp. And since it’s been a while since I prepared a rice dish, I thought the combination of a creamy, zesty sauce would pair perfectly with some shrimp.
What’s Needed for Shrimp and Rice?
This garlic Parmesan shrimp and rice dish comes together quickly with minimal ingredients:
- White rice
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Shrimp
- Shredded Parmesan
- Fresh basil
- Milk
How to Make Parmesan Shrimp and Rice
To start, you’ll want to prepare the rice according to the package directions and then set aside. Then, you’ll melt some butter in a large skillet, sauté some garlic, and then add in the shrimp. Once the shrimp is opaque and heated through, it’s time to stir in the rice.
Then comes the fun part, the Parmesan basil cream sauce! You’ll add in the shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, salt, pepper and milk. Give it a stir and heat until creamy and warm.
And that’s it! This Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice is ready to be devoured! With hardly any prep work and just a few simple ingredients, you can have this dish on your dinner table in no time. And I guarantee you’ll love it just as much as I do!
Can I Use Brown Rice?
I’m sure you could! However, brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so be sure to factor that in when making this shrimp and rice recipe.
Can I Use Another Type of Milk?
Of course! Any type of milk (or heavy cream) will work here. If using non-dairy milk, make sure it’s unsweetened.
Tips for Making Parmesan Shrimp and Rice
- Be sure to buy shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined to save you prep time.
- If buying frozen shrimp, you’ll need to get raw shrimp rather than pre-cooked.
- For the best flavor, buy a block of Parmesan and shred it yourself. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Looking for more seafood recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- Cilantro Lime Popcorn Shrimp Tacos
- Tilapia with Roasted Vegetable Pasta
- Grilled Haddock Sandwich
- Honey Garlic Salmon Quinoa Bowl
- Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon & Potatoes
Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dry white rice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and pink. Stir in rice and mix well.
- Add Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, pepper and milk to shrimp. Stir until rice thickens and becomes creamy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with additional basil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Photos updated 1/25/2021
Mir says
Using almond milk for creamy dishes is so much better than using milk. No upset tummy! This rice looks incredibly delicious. The basil is a stroke of genius!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mir!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh man, this rice is SO up my alley, Gayle! I just want to dive facefirst into the skillet and into all that cheesy rice goodness! Love that you used almond milk instead of the usual regular milk!
Gayle says
Thank you, Sarah! It’s so easy to make, too!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
I am all about the Parmesan too – I always have some in my fridge. And now I have another great recipe to use it for!
Gayle says
Parmesan is the best! Thanks, Kate!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Gayle, I LOVE that you added Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond Milk to your dish! what a great idea!!! This Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice be the perfect weeknight dinner!!! and I also love parmesan!! who can resist it?!
Gayle says
Thanks, Alice! Parmesan is definitely hard to resist!
Annie says
What a great idea!! This is perfect for busy nights!
Gayle says
Thank you, Annie!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
This sounds wonderful! I love a good shrimp recipe.
Gayle says
Thanks, Kelly!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I can’t cook without garlic either, Gayle… and about 90% of the time I add Parmesan, so no judgement here! I say keep it coming!! 😉 LOVING this shrimp dish, dear! Parmesan basil cream sauce sounds absolutely delicious on it’s own, but add in some shrimp and rice?! SOLD! Plus its quick and easy! Gotta love that! Dinner perfection, friend! Pinned! Cheers!
Gayle says
Aren’t garlic and parmesan the best? I seriously can’t live without the two! Thanks for the kind words and pin, Cheyanne!
Amanda says
Using the almond milk for the sauce sounds great. I definitely need to try that!
Gayle says
Hope you love it if you try it, Amanda!
demeter | beaming baker says
Gayle, how can I blame you for cooking with two of the best savory ingredients ever? Parm and garlic are absolutely my faves too, so I am loving this dish! Great idea on incorporating almond milk and a few ingredients to make a simple, lovely dish. Pinning, of course! 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Demeter! Parmesan and garlic just makes the best combo!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Mmmmm…such a simple, quick, and flavorful weeknight dinner! We LOVE all of these ingredients, so I know it will be a hit in our house. Can’t beat plenty of garlic and Parm with your shrimp!
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Blair!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Love to cook shrimp for a weeknight meal! Can’t wait to make this! It looks fabulous. 🙂
Gayle says
Thank you, Christin! It’s such an easy and flavorful meal!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
Anything with shrimp is a win in my book! And I love that you used almond milk here! It’s so much better than regular milk!
Gayle says
I agree, Jen! Thanks!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I love Parmesan cheese and this dish looks incredible!! I love that you used almond milk instead of regular milk. Can not wait to make this so I can eat the whole pan. Totally not sharing this dish. 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Cyndi! My husband and I devoured this in no time!
Denise @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Well I certainly wouldn’t say no to Parmesan and garlic! And basil and shrimp! Looks delicious, Gayle, love that it’s so easy to make!
Gayle says
Thanks, Denise!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
Um, I’m totally with you. Parmesan and garlic rock my world! My father in law actually dislikes garlic, and I’m like, “um — but HOW?!?!”. I don’t understand. This looks like the perfect weeknight meal!
Gayle says
Doesn’t like garlic?! Woah…I don’t get that either! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Ashley!
Keri @ Fashionable Foods says
Parmesan and garlic are staples in my kitchen, so I’m on board with anything that includes them! I love shrimp, basil, and rice, too – so this dish is perfect 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the shrimp love, Keri!
marcie says
You shouldn’t be a bit sorry about garlic and parmesan — they are the best! I love that you added basil to this dish — it freshens things up so nicely. This is a dish my family would love!
Gayle says
Thank you, Marcie! I just love cooking with fresh basil, makes everything extra delicious!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
sounds like a very flavorful dish! don’t blame you for adding garlic to everything, it just makes everything better!
Gayle says
Thanks, Manali!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
haha I have a hard time cooking without garlic too! Even just a little adds so much flavor! That rice looks so creamy and fantastic!
Gayle says
Yes! I couldn’t live without garlic! Thanks, Ashley!
Kelly says
Haha I am a big fan of throwing garlic into everything too so keep ’em coming 🙂 This looks like the perfect cozy and flavorful weeknight meal! I love that you used almond milk in here too!
Gayle says
Thank you, Kelly!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I wouldn’t be one bit sorry for adding cheese either! Shrimp is definitely a go-to in our house too. It’s so easy and delicious so win! win! What is also a win is this parmesan basil shrimp and rice!
Gayle says
Yay for cheese and garlic! Thanks for the shrimp love, Rachelle!
mira says
Love the garlic and parmesan combination! And the addition of shrimp is just perfect! So easy to make! Can’t wait to try it!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mira! It’s makes such an easy weeknight meal!
Sues says
Garlic and parmesan are pretty much everything. And this is such a perfect dinner!
Gayle says
Thanks, Sues!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I never would have thought to use almond milk in something like this, what what a great idea. A great way to add some extra protein too.
Gayle says
Thank you, Dannii!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I love the name of your game and you should never be sorry! Garlic and Parmesan are my middle name! Love this dish – so bright and tasty!
Gayle says
Thank you, friend!
Lucy @ Globe Scoffers recipes says
This looks so yummy definitely my sort of dish. Great flavour combination.
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words, Lucy!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Love the use of almond milk here- this rice looks seriously packed with flavor 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Medha! It’s SO flavorful!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Oh my gosh this looks so amazing!! I am a major seafood fan! And there is nothing wrong with naming all your dishes with the word “garlic”! It’s a great ingredients after all!
Gayle says
Thank you for the kind words, Shelby! Garlic is definitely the best! 🙂
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
We definitely love cheese in my house, too! Rarely a meal goes by without it. 😉 This shrimp and rice looks like a delicious, easy dinner! What a great use for almond milk!
Gayle says
Thanks, Kristine!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
I feel like my hands always smell like garlic because I cook with it so much! Haha. This dish looks phenomenal Gayle! LOVE all the shrimp!
Gayle says
Haha mine too, Lauren! I like it at first, but not after a while! 🙂 Thanks for the shrimp love!
Jeannie says
This recipe, and the tortellini in mustard sauce (which I will make today) look marvelous! I like that your recipes are so simple without needing a ton of ingredients, most are on hand already, and are so tasty! Looking forward to more!
Gayle says
Thank you so much, Jeannie! This shrimp and the tortellini with mustard sauce is a regular in my house. I focus on creating easier recipes because that is what I like, too! Please let me know if you try these dishes, I think you will love them! Have a great rest of your weekend!
CJ says
I doubled the recipe to suit the family size and substituted a whole can of coconut milk for the almond because that is what I had available.served with a side of peas. It was so simple and a great hit for everyone. Thanks! I will be making this again and again.
Gayle says
Hi CJ! I’m so glad that you enjoyed this dish! It’s one of my favorite shrimp dishes. And that is a great idea to use coconut milk as a swap. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!
Katlyn says
I’m confused about where the white wine fits in? I don’t see it anywhere in the directions or description…
Gayle says
Hi Katlyn! White wine is not in this recipe. It’s not listed anywhere in the post or directions, so maybe you’re confusing this with another recipe. Hope this helps!
Lauren says
Do you think brown rice would still be ok to try with this? I’m supposed to stay away from white rice!
Gayle says
Hi Lauren! I haven’t tried this with brown rice, but I think it would be delicious! Hope you love this if you try it and thanks for stopping by!
Danielle says
Can I use milk or heavy cream instead? I don’t have almond milk.
Gayle says
Hi Danielle! Yes, milk or heavy cream will work perfectly. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!
Shelly says
Do you think this would work with scallops instead? I love shrimp but have to lower my cholesterol number, and shrimp is super high in cholesterol.
Gayle says
Hi Shelly! Absolutely! Scallops would be a delicious swap. Hope you enjoy!
Freddy says
OMG, this is so easy and good. I had already cooked Old Bay shrimp, happened to have cooked rice and all other ingredients on hand, and was just scrolling through Pinterest when I stumbled onto your brainchild. I also drizzled a little lemon on top.
Thanks for teaching me something new. Please keep those recipes coming!
Gayle says
So glad you enjoyed this, Freddy!
Teri says
Recipe sounds delicious, and I will be trying it tonight – with one slight addition – broccoli! Need to get those vegetables into the diet!
Gayle says
Broccoli is a delicious addition!