Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil.
Stir in the rice, salt, and butter (if using).
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve:
Spoon the fluffy white rice onto plates and top with the creamy shrimp mixture.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil.
Stir in the rice, salt, and butter (if using).
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve:
Spoon the fluffy white rice onto plates and top with the creamy shrimp mixture.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.