Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Peppers: A Luxurious, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic butter shrimp stuffed peppers combine the rich, savory essence of buttery shrimp with the freshness and sweetness of roasted bell peppers — creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky indulgence and wholesome vegetables. The melted butter and garlic coat each shrimp in irresistible flavor, while the peppers act as a natural bowl, holding everything together beautifully. I once made this with a touch of lemon zest and parmesan sprinkled on top, and it gave the dish an extra layer of brightness and depth. Whether served as a main course or a special dinner for guests, these stuffed peppers deliver restaurant-worthy flavor with simple, everyday ingredients.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bell peppers – Choose large, firm peppers (red, yellow, or orange) for their natural sweetness and vibrant color. They roast beautifully and hold the filling perfectly.

Shrimp – Medium to large shrimp work best. Peel and devein them before cooking for a tender, juicy result.

Butter – The base of the sauce. It creates that rich, velvety texture that coats the shrimp and blends beautifully with garlic and herbs.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and deep flavor. The more aromatic, the better!

Cooked rice or quinoa – Acts as the hearty filler that soaks up all the buttery sauce. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Parmesan cheese – Adds a subtle saltiness and creamy texture when mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top.

Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the butter.

Fresh parsley – Adds color, freshness, and a hint of herbal fragrance that ties the dish together.

Paprika – A touch of spice and warmth that enhances the flavor without overpowering the shrimp.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the shrimp and peppers perfectly.

Olive oil – Used to coat the peppers before roasting, helping them caramelize slightly and soften beautifully.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them cut side up in a baking dish. Roast for 10–12 minutes to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir in a tablespoon of chopped parsley. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the cooked rice (or quinoa) and toss it in the remaining garlic butter. Chop half of the shrimp into small pieces and stir them into the rice mixture, along with a handful of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly combined.

Spoon the filling into the roasted peppers, packing it gently. Top with the remaining whole shrimp and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Bake for another 10 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.

Garnish with more fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, buttery flavors melding perfectly with the sweet roasted peppers.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. For best results, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

Variations and Customizations

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Peppers – Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for a spicy Southern-style kick.

Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Peppers – Mix mozzarella or cream cheese into the filling for a gooey, melty texture.

Mediterranean Style – Incorporate crumbled feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a bright, tangy twist.

Low-Carb Version – Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that still soaks up all the buttery sauce.

Lemon Herb Shrimp Peppers – Add extra lemon zest and dill for a lighter, more refreshing flavor.

Garlic Mushroom Shrimp Peppers – Sauté chopped mushrooms along with the shrimp for a savory, earthy complement.

Asian-Inspired Peppers – Use jasmine rice and season the shrimp with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a fusion-style take.

Tex-Mex Shrimp Peppers – Mix in corn, black beans, and a touch of cumin for a bold and hearty variation.

Spinach and Shrimp Peppers – Add wilted spinach to the filling for extra color and nutrition.

Creamy Alfredo Shrimp Peppers – Toss shrimp in a light Alfredo sauce before stuffing for a luxurious, creamy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare the peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast and stuff them in advance, then bake just before serving.

What color peppers work best?

Red, yellow, and orange are best for sweetness, but green peppers work if you prefer a slightly bitter flavor.

Can I use another grain instead of rice?

Absolutely — quinoa, couscous, or even orzo work well as substitutes.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Cook them only until they turn pink and opaque — they’ll finish gently baking inside the peppers.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced zucchini, spinach, or chopped tomatoes blend beautifully with the flavors.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Parmesan or mozzarella melts perfectly and adds a savory golden crust.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use olive oil or vegan butter and skip the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free option.

How can I serve this dish?

It’s great on its own or paired with a side of garlic bread, salad, or roasted potatoes.

Conclusion

Garlic butter shrimp stuffed peppers are a perfect blend of indulgence and freshness — tender shrimp bathed in garlicky butter, paired with the sweetness of roasted peppers and the heartiness of rice. It’s a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and refined. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you taste that buttery shrimp filling wrapped in soft, roasted pepper, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite in any kitchen — elegant, easy, and absolutely delicious.

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