Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Parmesan Rice
This creamy garlic shrimp and spinach parmesan rice is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for chilly nights. Tender shrimp are cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Fresh spinach adds brightness while aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme enhance the flavor. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish combines fluffy basmati rice with a luscious creamy sauce for an easy yet elegant dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cooked Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice cooked according to package instructions
Protein and Greens
- 16 oz raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 6 oz fresh spinach leaves
Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 5 cloves garlic whole
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth plus extra if needed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Fats for Cooking
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for sautéing
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme for garnish
- to taste salt and black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the whole garlic cloves and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cook Shrimp
- Add the raw shrimp to the skillet. Season with dried basil and salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, until shrimp start turning pink but are not fully cooked.
Add Broth and Spinach
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the fresh spinach. Sprinkle in garlic powder and dried oregano. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine with Rice
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat the rice with the sauce. Season with additional salt, pepper, and oregano if desired. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- If preferred, substitute spinach with kale or arugula.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender.