🍤🥦 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
There are some dinners that come together so quickly they almost feel like magic, and this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is one of those recipes. I first made it on a hectic weeknight when I had a bag of broccoli in the refrigerator and a pound of shrimp in the freezer. With just a few pantry staples, dinner was on the table in less than 30 minutes—and it tasted like something from my favorite seafood restaurant.
Last weekend, I made this recipe for my family after a busy afternoon outdoors. The garlic butter sauce filled the kitchen with an incredible aroma, and the shrimp turned out perfectly tender while the broccoli stayed crisp-tender with just the right amount of bite. We served it over fluffy rice, and everyone was reaching for seconds before I had even finished my first plate. It’s now one of our favorite go-to meals when we want something healthy, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a low-carb option, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your menu.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in under 30 minutes
One-pan meal
High in protein
Naturally low in carbohydrates
Family-friendly
Packed with fresh garlic flavor
Perfect for meal prep
Easy enough for beginners
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
🛒 Ingredients
Shrimp & Broccoli
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chicken or seafood broth (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
Grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes
Lemon wedges
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Tongs
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with:
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the broccoli florets.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Stir in:
Remaining butter
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Broth (if using)
Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Combine
Return the broccoli to the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired.
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
Fresh Garlic Is Best
Freshly minced garlic provides the richest flavor and aroma.
Keep the Broccoli Crisp
Avoid overcooking the broccoli so it stays bright green and slightly crisp.
Pat the Shrimp Dry
Dry shrimp sear better and develop more flavor than wet shrimp.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add:
Cherry tomatoes
Kalamata olives
Crumbled feta cheese
for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Low-Carb Keto Version
Serve over:
Cauliflower rice
Zucchini noodles
Sautéed spinach
Creamy Garlic Butter
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and a little grated Parmesan for a rich, creamy sauce.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Cauliflower rice
Buttered noodles
Mashed potatoes
Garlic bread
Mixed green salad
Roasted asparagus
Last weekend, I served this with fluffy jasmine rice and a crisp garden salad. The rice soaked up every bit of the lemon garlic butter sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water until heated through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 305
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 520mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best sear.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain it well, or cook it directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape and can become rubbery.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a great option for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas all work well in this recipe.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is proof that a simple meal can still feel elegant and satisfying. Tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic butter lemon sauce come together in one skillet for a dinner that’s quick enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough for special occasions.
When I made this for my family last weekend, everyone agreed it tasted like something from a restaurant—but it was on the table in just over 20 minutes. It’s fresh, flavorful, and versatile, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular meal rotation.