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Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice

30 Minute Meals Main Course

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!

shrimp and rice in pan

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.

shrimp and rice on plate

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!

shrimp and rice in pan

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! 

shrimp and rice on plate

Looking for more seafood recipes? I’ve got you covered!

shrimp and rice in pan
Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice

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!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword seafood recipe, shrimp recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 528kcal

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

See my tips and tricks for making this Parmesan Basil Shrimp and Rice above the recipe box.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 326mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

Photos updated 1/25/2021

By Gayle |

Comments

  1. 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!
    Reply

  4. 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?!
    Reply

  7. 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!
    Reply

    • 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!
      Reply

  9. 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! :)
    Reply

  17. 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!
    Reply

  20. 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!
    Reply

  31. 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!
    Reply

    • 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!
      Reply

  32. 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.
    Reply

    • 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!
      Reply

  33. Katlyn says

    I'm confused about where the white wine fits in? I don't see it anywhere in the directions or description...
    Reply

    • 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!
      Reply

    • 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!
      Reply

    • Gayle says

      Hi Danielle! Yes, milk or heavy cream will work perfectly. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!
      Reply

  36. 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.

    5 stars

    Reply

  37. 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!

    5 stars

    Reply

  38. 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!
    Reply

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