🦐🥦 Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
When you need a fast, wholesome dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is the perfect solution. Tender, juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and herbs, creating a meal that’s light, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup.
The first time I made this recipe, I wanted something simple that tasted like a restaurant-quality seafood dinner. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, sweet shrimp, and perfectly cooked broccoli was an instant success. It’s now one of our favorite meals when time is short but we still want something homemade.
Last weekend, I served it over fluffy jasmine rice with a simple cucumber salad and warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 20 minutes
One-pan meal
High in protein
Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
Rich garlic butter flavor
Fresh lemon brightens every bite
Perfect for busy weeknights
Easy to customize
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 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
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Lemon Butter Finish
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large skillet
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with:
Smoked paprika
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
Step 3: 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.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the broccoli to the skillet.
Add:
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Cook for another 1 minute.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with:
Fresh parsley
Parmesan cheese (if using)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
💡 Tips for Success
Dry the Shrimp
Patting the shrimp dry helps them sear instead of steam.
Don’t Overcook
Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Keep Broccoli Crisp
Avoid overcooking the broccoli so it stays vibrant and slightly crunchy.
Fresh Garlic Is Best
Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce its signature flavor.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese after cooking.
Creamy Garlic Butter
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup grated Parmesan to create a creamy garlic sauce.
Spicy Version
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Extra Vegetables
Add asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for even more color and nutrition.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Quinoa
Cauliflower rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles
Crusty artisan bread
Mixed green salad
Last weekend, I served it with fluffy jasmine rice and a fresh cucumber salad. The rice soaked up the garlic butter sauce beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Shrimp can become slightly rubbery after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat for 3–4 minutes, adding a small splash of broth or butter if needed. Avoid overheating the shrimp.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 315
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 520mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture and browning.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and drain well, or cook directly from frozen for a minute or two longer.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. Serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice for a delicious keto-friendly meal.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or your favorite dairy-free butter alternative.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become chewy.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Cook the broccoli ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. Cook the shrimp fresh before serving for the best texture.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful meal. Juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, fragrant garlic, rich butter, and bright lemon come together in one skillet for a dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Whether you serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, or simply enjoy it on its own, this easy recipe is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.