Name: Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 zucchini chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; fresh basil for garnish; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; pinch red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined

There’s something so comforting about a one-pan meal that packs a punch of flavor, and this Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. It’s quick, vibrant, and the garlicky shrimp mingled with tender rice just makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

A close-up view of a large gray pot with pink handles filled with a cooked rice dish. The rice is orange and mixed evenly with pieces of cooked shrimp that are light pink and curled. There are slices of green zucchini scattered inside along with halved red cherry tomatoes. All ingredients are mixed together and topped with small green basil leaves. A gold spoon is partially submerged at the left edge of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a glimpse of a bowl of green herbs in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish quickly became one of my go-tos when I want dinner on the table fast but without sacrificing flavor. It’s comforting, colorful, and honestly, it feels a bit fancy though the steps are super easy.

One-pan magic: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you on cleanup and keeping all the flavors together.
Speedy yet satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time.
Fresh and versatile: The fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes brighten the dish, making it a lighter comfort meal you’ll enjoy any time.
Flavor-packed shrimp: Garlic and Italian seasoning infuse the shrimp with rich, savory notes that complement the rice perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients work beautifully in harmony. The zucchini adds a gentle crunch, the cherry tomatoes bring bursts of sweetness, and the shrimp soak up that garlicky, tomatoey broth, making this Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe a balanced meal both in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a white ceramic bowl of tomato paste, a white ceramic bowl of vibrant chicken broth, a cluster of fresh halved cherry tomatoes, a whole zucchini chopped, two cloves of garlic, a heap of white rice, a pile of peeled and deveined raw shrimp, fresh bright green basil leaves, and a small white bowl containing a blend of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Brings that rich, fruity flavor and helps sauté the veggies gently without burning.
Zucchini: Adds light freshness and a slight crunch, making the dish more interesting.
Garlic: The star of the show here, giving an irresistible aroma and depth.
Italian seasoning: A quick shortcut to build complexity with familiar Mediterranean herbs.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these balance out the tomato paste’s tang and bring everything together.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds that tiny kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and a slight tang without making the dish too saucy.
White rice: Absorbs all the lovely flavors, creating a tender base that’s perfect with shrimp.
Chicken broth: Moistens and flavors the rice as it cooks—don’t skip it or swap with vegetable broth if you prefer.
Cherry tomatoes: These pop with juicy sweetness and balance the savory notes in the skillet.
Shrimp: Tender, protein-rich, and it cooks quickly, soaking up the garlicky goodness.
Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting a bit with this dish, sometimes swapping veggies based on what’s fresh or adding a bit more heat when I’m feeling spicy. Don’t be afraid to tweak it so it feels like your own!

Variation: One of my favorite twists is tossing in some spinach or kale toward the end for a green boost—it wilts beautifully and adds good nutrients.
Dietary modification: You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and even substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Seasonal change: Swap zucchini for summer squash or toss in fresh peas in spring for a pop of sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with small shrimp pieces and green herbs. On top, there are many bright orange shrimp coated with red spices and small bits of green herbs. Thinly sliced lemon wedges are arranged around the shrimp in the bowl. A shiny fork lifts a piece of shrimp with some rice, highlighting the texture of the shrimp and the mix of colors from the spices and herbs. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Zucchini to Start

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped zucchini and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes. You want it tender but still with a little crunch. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly and doesn’t brown too hard—that freshness is key to the texture balance.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Ready for that aroma? Toss in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir in the tomato paste and let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste has slightly caramelized. This step builds the base flavor you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Toast the Rice and Add Broth

Add the rice to the skillet. Toast it for about a minute, stirring often to prevent sticking and to get a slightly nutty flavor. Then pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine everything evenly. Bring it to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, and lower the heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, but be sure to stir every couple of minutes. This little dance keeps the rice from sticking and helps it cook evenly in that flavorful broth.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Shrimp

Once the rice is nearly tender, stir in halved cherry tomatoes and raw shrimp. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the rice is fully cooked. This ensures the shrimp stay juicy without overcooking and the tomatoes add fresh bursts of sweetness.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil

Remove from heat and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top. The fragrant herbs add a lovely brightness and make the dish feel fresh and fragrant—plus, it’s a beautiful pop of green against all those warm colors.

Top Tip

After making this Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture, and I’m excited to share them with you!

Don’t skip toasting the rice: It adds a subtle nuttiness that you might miss otherwise and keeps the grains from getting mushy.
Stir often but gently: This prevents the rice from sticking, but be careful not to stir too aggressively or you’ll mash the grains.
Shrimp last: Adding shrimp toward the end keeps them tender and juicy—not rubbery.
Rest before serving: Let the skillet sit off the heat for a couple minutes to let the flavors settle and the rice absorb any remaining liquid.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe

Garlic Shrimp and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh basil because it adds that herbal brightness that cuts through the hearty, garlicky rice. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top brings a zing that makes the shrimp pop, too.

Side Dishes

This dish is great on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or steamed broccoli. Occasionally, I’ll serve it alongside roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve spooned this skillet mixture into warm pita pockets or served it over a bed of baby arugula for a pretty presentation. The vibrant tomatoes and basil make it look like a dish straight from a cozy bistro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice absorbs more liquid overnight, so sometimes I add a splash of broth or water when reheating to revive the texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe once or twice by itself, but I recommend doing so before adding shrimp to avoid rubbery texture after thawing. Freeze the rice mixture and veggies separately from the shrimp for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the rice. Microwave works too but stir halfway through to evenly warm and keep the shrimp tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works great, just be sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water making the dish soggy.

What kind of rice is best for this Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe?

Long grain white rice works well because it stays fluffy and cooks evenly. You can also try jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, but just be sure your chicken broth or any seasoning blends are labeled gluten-free.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Add the shrimp late in the cooking process, only about 3-4 minutes before the end, and keep an eye on their color — once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Remove from heat immediately to prevent toughness.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it's quick, flavorful, and just downright comforting. I know you’ll appreciate how the garlic and tomato paste transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal — plus, it’s just plain fun to make. Give it a try and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!