Rich, Creamy, and Boldly Cajun-Spiced
This Butter-Cream Shrimp & Rice is the kind of dish that instantly feels like restaurant-quality comfort at home. Plump, juicy shrimp are seared until lightly golden, then finished in a luxuriously creamy sauce layered with tomato paste, butter, garlic, and bold Creole seasoning. The result is a silky, savory sauce that clings beautifully to shrimp and soaks perfectly into warm rice.
Every bite delivers buttery richness, Cajun warmth, and bright citrus from fresh lemon, creating a flavor-packed meal that tastes indulgent yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this shrimp dish brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 2 lbs extra-jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 5 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
For Serving (Optional)
- Steamed white rice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Toss them with Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized.
3. Create the Cream Sauce
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil.
- Let the sauce simmer gently until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Finish the Dish
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Add 1 tablespoon cold butter and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy.
5. Serve Over Rice
- Spoon the creamy shrimp and sauce over steamed rice.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Dry shrimp well before cooking to achieve the best sear and prevent steaming.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink and tender before returning to the sauce.
- For extra richness, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving.
- Swap rice with buttery mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach or sautéed bell peppers for a colorful twist.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Dasean, the food creator behind @_https.dasean. He shares bold, comforting recipes that bring rich, restaurant-style flavors to everyday home cooking with simple, approachable techniques.
Dasean | @_https.dasean