Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet!
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
Last weekend, I wanted something quick and delicious for dinner without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. I had a bag of shrimp, some fresh broccoli, garlic, and butter, so I decided to throw everything together in one skillet. The result was even better than I expected!
The shrimp turned out tender and juicy, the broccoli soaked up all that delicious garlic butter, and a squeeze of fresh lemon brought everything to life. My family loved how flavorful this simple meal was, and I loved having only one pan to clean afterward. It’s now one of my favorite recipes for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in about 20 minutes
Made in just one skillet
Juicy shrimp with rich garlic butter flavor
Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrients
Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups broccoli florets
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
½ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp chicken broth or water
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Drying the shrimp helps them sear nicely instead of releasing too much moisture into the pan.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken broth or water, cover the skillet, and steam for another 2–3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size, until they turn pink and opaque and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
5. Combine Everything
Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss gently with the shrimp and garlic butter.
Add the lemon juice and stir to coat everything in the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
My Tips for the Best Results
Use dry shrimp: Pat them dry before seasoning for better browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
Watch the garlic: It needs only about 30 seconds to become fragrant.
Keep the broccoli crisp-tender: Avoid cooking it too long, especially if you prefer a little crunch.
Finish with fresh lemon: The acidity balances the richness of the butter.
Use fresh or frozen shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Easy Variations
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper.
Creamy Garlic Butter Version: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Lemon Parmesan Shrimp: Add extra lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and fresh oregano.
Extra Vegetables: Include sliced zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms. Add each vegetable according to its cooking time.
Low-Carb Dinner: Enjoy the skillet as written or serve it over cauliflower rice.
What to Serve With It
This skillet pairs beautifully with:
Steamed rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Cauliflower rice
Lemon orzo
Whole-wheat pasta
Quinoa
Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter
A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
For a lighter meal, I love serving it over cauliflower rice with an extra squeeze of lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or broth until warmed through. Avoid prolonged heating because shrimp can quickly become overcooked.
Freezing is possible, but the broccoli may become softer after thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy this recipe freshly cooked.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: 285
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on shrimp size, butter quantity, and optional toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw it and drain away excess water first. Add it to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, with their flesh firm rather than translucent. For a reliable food-safety check, cook them to 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The garlic, lemon, and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli good for meal prep?
Yes. Divide the cooled shrimp and broccoli into individual containers and refrigerate promptly. Reheat gently when ready to eat for the best texture.