🦐🥦 Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet is a simple one-pan dinner featuring juicy shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and Parmesan. It’s low in carbs, naturally gluten-free, and full of bold flavor while requiring minimal cleanup.
Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes
- One-pan meal
- High in protein
- Low-carb and gluten-free
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Family-friendly
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finish
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp in a single layer.
Season with:
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 3: Combine
Return the broccoli to the skillet.
Add the lemon juice and gently toss everything together.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Finish
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Keep the Broccoli Crisp
Cook the broccoli until it’s just tender to preserve its texture and vibrant color.
Fresh Garlic is Best
Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce the richest flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the butter.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Stir in:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese
for a rich, creamy garlic sauce.
Cajun Style
Replace the Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
Mediterranean
Add:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
Extra Vegetables
Mix in:
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Spinach
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This skillet pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Buttered noodles
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Garden salad
- Crusty bread
- Zucchini noodles
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery and broccoli may lose its texture.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until just heated through.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 335
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it first and drain well, or cook it directly from frozen for a few extra minutes until tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for lunches.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly and become chewy.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet is a fast, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in one pan for a delicious dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious.