Creamy Shrimp in Spicy Garlic Sauce with Heart-Shaped Rice

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Sauce

400 g shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 cup heavy cream

⅓ cup chicken stock (or water)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups water

Pinch of salt

1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Rice

Rinse rice until the water runs clear.

Add rice, water, and salt to a pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.

Simmer for 15 minutes.

Fluff with a fork.

Heart shape tip:

Press warm rice into a heart-shaped mold or cookie cutter, then place gently on the plate.

2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink.

Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add tomato paste, paprika, chili flakes, and Cajun seasoning.

Pour in chicken stock and simmer 1 minute.

Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.

Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

4️⃣ Finish the Dish

Return shrimp to the sauce.

Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Sprinkle with parsley.

5️⃣ Plate

Place the heart-shaped rice on one side of the plate and spoon the creamy shrimp sauce beside it.

Serve warm.