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!
You’ll also love this Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry, Herb Crusted Salmon, and Tuna Skillet Casserole!
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
- Honey Garlic Salmon Quinoa Bowl
- Sheet Pan Garlic Herb Salmon & Potatoes
- Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
- Garlic Lemon Tilapia
- Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
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
Photos updated 1/25/2021
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!
Thanks, Mir!
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!
Thank you, Sarah! It’s so easy to make, too!
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!
Parmesan is the best! Thanks, Kate!
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?!
Thanks, Alice! Parmesan is definitely hard to resist!
What a great idea!! This is perfect for busy nights!
Thank you, Annie!
This sounds wonderful! I love a good shrimp recipe.
Thanks, Kelly!
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!
Aren’t garlic and parmesan the best? I seriously can’t live without the two! Thanks for the kind words and pin, Cheyanne!
Using the almond milk for the sauce sounds great. I definitely need to try that!
Hope you love it if you try it, Amanda!
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! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Demeter! Parmesan and garlic just makes the best combo!
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!
Thanks for the kind words, Blair!
Love to cook shrimp for a weeknight meal! Can’t wait to make this! It looks fabulous. 🙂
Thank you, Christin! It’s such an easy and flavorful meal!
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!
I agree, Jen! Thanks!
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. 🙂
Thanks, Cyndi! My husband and I devoured this in no time!
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!
Thanks, Denise!
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!
Doesn’t like garlic?! Woah…I don’t get that either! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Ashley!
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 🙂
Thanks for the shrimp love, Keri!
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!
Thank you, Marcie! I just love cooking with fresh basil, makes everything extra delicious!
sounds like a very flavorful dish! don’t blame you for adding garlic to everything, it just makes everything better!
Thanks, Manali!
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!
Yes! I couldn’t live without garlic! Thanks, Ashley!
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!
Thank you, Kelly!
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!
Yay for cheese and garlic! Thanks for the shrimp love, Rachelle!
Love the garlic and parmesan combination! And the addition of shrimp is just perfect! So easy to make! Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Mira! It’s makes such an easy weeknight meal!
Garlic and parmesan are pretty much everything. And this is such a perfect dinner!
Thanks, Sues!
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.
Thank you, Dannii!
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!
Thank you, friend!
This looks so yummy definitely my sort of dish. Great flavour combination.
Thanks for the kind words, Lucy!
Love the use of almond milk here- this rice looks seriously packed with flavor 🙂
Thanks, Medha! It’s SO flavorful!
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!
Thank you for the kind words, Shelby! Garlic is definitely the best! 🙂
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!
Thanks, Kristine!
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!
Haha mine too, Lauren! I like it at first, but not after a while! 🙂 Thanks for the shrimp love!
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!
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!
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.
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!
I’m confused about where the white wine fits in? I don’t see it anywhere in the directions or description…
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!
Do you think brown rice would still be ok to try with this? I’m supposed to stay away from white rice!
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!
Can I use milk or heavy cream instead? I don’t have almond milk.
Hi Danielle! Yes, milk or heavy cream will work perfectly. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!
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.
Hi Shelly! Absolutely! Scallops would be a delicious swap. Hope you enjoy!
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!
So glad you enjoyed this, Freddy!
Recipe sounds delicious, and I will be trying it tonight – with one slight addition – broccoli! Need to get those vegetables into the diet!
Broccoli is a delicious addition!
This was AWESOME! I wanted to be sure to have enough to share with the in-laws, so I doubled the shrimp and used half again as much of the rest of the ingredients. I used a mix of heavy cream and half and half and it turned out so creamy and cheesy. Definitely a keeper.
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed, Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing!
Very good and so easy. I used half fresh parm and half grated in the can.
I’m so glad you enjoyed, Jane!
For a single mother of 3 picky eaters… this dinner was definetely a winner!!! Im so glad I found this recipe <3 I added in some peas to add some veggies in but this all together in a bowl was simple, quick and easy to make while packing and getting my family ready to move! haha Thank you!!!
I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed, Krissy!