Simple Meals for Two That Taste Amazing

Cooking for two doesn’t have to be complicated. This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice recipe is the perfect example of a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and looks like it came from a fancy restaurant. Ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or any time you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is packed with garlicky shrimp, buttery rice infused with lemon and fresh herbs, and an overall cozy, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Cook garlic butter shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Make garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add lemon juice and zest.
5. Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in garlic butter sauce. Add cooked rice and gently mix.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a perfectly balanced, flavorful meal for two.

Tips for Perfect Meals for Two

• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and lemon for the best flavor.
• Rice cooking: Fluff rice with a fork to avoid mushy texture.
• Adjust spice: Omit red pepper flakes for a mild version or add more for a kick.
• Prep ahead: Cook rice in advance to cut total meal time to 10–15 minutes.

Variations

• Creamy shrimp: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to garlic butter sauce for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or asparagus.
• Herb swaps: Use dill, basil, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Protein swap: Replace shrimp with scallops or chicken breast.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a romantic dinner.
• Perfect for date nights, casual weeknights, or special occasions at home.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Shrimp dishes are celebrated in many cuisines worldwide. Garlic butter sauces are a classic in French and Italian cooking, prized for their richness and aroma. Lemon adds brightness, making this dish balanced and appealing for casual and gourmet meals alike. Cooking for two has grown in popularity as more people seek efficient, healthy meals that don’t sacrifice flavor or presentation.

Pro Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
• Cook garlic on medium heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
• Serve immediately; garlic butter sauce can thicken as it cools.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice

Quick, flavorful garlic butter shrimp served with lemon-infused rice, perfect for a simple meal for two.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Quick Meals

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shrimp & Rice

• 12 oz shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Cook rice in chicken broth according to package instructions, then let sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to skillet, sauté 1–2 minutes.
5. Add lemon juice and zest, then return shrimp to skillet and toss in garlic butter sauce.
6. Add cooked rice, gently mix, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For more flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp seasoning. Optional vegetables can be sautéed alongside shrimp.