Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli That Fits Busy Weeknights

If you need a fast dinner that still feels satisfying, Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli is a recipe worth keeping on repeat. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and gives you a skillet meal with juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a buttery garlic-lemon sauce that tastes like way more work than it is.

This is the kind of dinner that works for home cooks, busy parents, students, and anyone who wants something tasty without a lot of cleanup. It is also easy to serve with rice, noodles, or on its own if you want a lighter plate. If you are looking for more simple meal ideas, you might also like this easy fruit pizza recipe for a fun dessert later in the week.

Quick tip: this dish cooks fast, so have everything chopped, measured, and ready before you turn on the stove.

For readers who want to learn more about nutrition, shrimp is a solid source of protein and broccoli brings a lot of vitamins and fiber. You can read more about shrimp benefits from WebMD’s shrimp health benefits guide and broccoli nutrition from Healthline’s broccoli nutrition article.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Here is the full ingredient list, with everything measured out so you can cook without guessing.

• 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Large drizzle olive oil
• Another drizzle olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• 4 to 5 lemon slices

That simple ingredient list is part of what makes garlic butter shrimp such a weeknight favorite. You do not need a long shopping list, and most of the flavor comes from the garlic butter sauce, lemon, and a little heat from the chili flakes.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli

• Easy to make: This recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and ready in about 30 minutes total. The steps are simple, and everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup after dinner.
• Good for busy schedules: The prep time is only 10 minutes, so it fits nicely into weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. It also works well for meal prep or a last-minute lunch.
• Light but filling: Shrimp adds plenty of protein, while broccoli brings fiber and a fresh, balanced feel to the dish. It is a smart choice for anyone watching carbs without giving up flavor.
• Full of flavor: The mix of butter, garlic, paprika, lemon, and red chili flakes gives the dish a rich, savory taste with a little kick. Every bite has that cozy garlic butter flavor people love.

Another reason people love this shrimp broccoli skillet is that it works for many different eaters. You can serve it with rice for comfort, noodles for a heartier bowl, or keep it low-carb as is.

How to Prepare the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Get everything ready before the pan heats up

Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, rinse the broccoli florets, and measure out the salt, pepper, paprika, butter, garlic, red chili flakes, lemon slices, and Italian seasoning if you are using it. This recipe moves quickly, so setting everything out first makes the cooking process much easier.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels if you can. Dry shrimp brown better in the pan and are less likely to steam. If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cool running water first, then dry them well before cooking.

Second Step: Cook the broccoli in hot oil

Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add a large drizzle of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets, then season them with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until the broccoli softens and gets a few charred bits on the edges.

This step adds a deep roasted flavor even though you are not using the oven. If the broccoli starts to brown too fast, lower the heat slightly. Once the broccoli is done, transfer it to a dish and set it aside.

Third Step: Cook the shrimp until just done

Lower the heat to medium and add another drizzle of olive oil to the same pan. Add the 8 oz raw shrimp and season them with 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes total, flipping once if needed, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

A good rule is about 3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp. You want them juicy, not rubbery. As soon as they are done, transfer them to the same dish with the broccoli.

Keep a close eye on shrimp. They go from perfect to overcooked very quickly, so pull them from the pan as soon as they are opaque and pink.

Fourth Step: Make the garlic butter sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often so it does not burn. Garlic cooks fast, so stay close to the stove.

Next, add 1 teaspoon red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning if you want that extra herb flavor. Cook for another minute so the spices wake up in the butter. This is where the sauce starts to smell amazing, and it is what gives the dish its signature flavor.

Fifth Step: Finish with lemon and bring everything together

Add 4 to 5 lemon slices to the skillet and let them warm in the butter sauce for a moment. Return the broccoli and shrimp to the pan, then toss everything together so the sauce coats each piece. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Taste and adjust if needed. If you want a little more salt, add it now. If you want more heat, sprinkle on a few more chili flakes. When everything is coated and hot, your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is ready to serve.

Final Step: Serve it your way

You can serve this dish as is for a lighter meal or spoon it over rice or pasta. It also tastes great with noodles, which makes the buttery sauce stretch a little further. For a simple family dinner, pair it with a green salad or crusty bread.

The whole meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it is a strong choice for nights when time is tight but you still want something homemade.

Recipe Snapshot

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you do not have shrimp on hand, this dish can still work with a few changes. You can swap shrimp for scallops, chunks of chicken, or even firm tofu if you want a meatless version. Just adjust the cook time so the protein finishes safely and stays tender.

Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen broccoli also works well. If you use frozen broccoli, cook off extra moisture and do not overcrowd the pan. The same goes for frozen shrimp. Thaw them under cool water, then dry them before they hit the skillet.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

You can change up the vegetables based on what is in your fridge. Green beans, snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers all fit nicely here. If you want a little more color, toss in mushrooms or spinach near the end.

For flavor changes, try a stir fry sauce, Mexican seasonings like cumin and chili powder, or fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. If you want a richer meal, serve it with rice or noodles. For a lower-carb plate, keep it with just the shrimp and broccoli.

Fans of garlic butter shrimp often like how easy it is to adjust the seasoning without losing the main flavor. That makes it a flexible recipe for families with different tastes at the table.

Mastering Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques

To get the best texture, avoid crowding the pan. If the broccoli or shrimp are packed too tightly, they will steam instead of browning. If needed, cook in batches so each ingredient gets direct contact with the hot skillet.

Hot oil is key for the broccoli. Let it sit in the skillet long enough to get a little color, since those charred spots add a nice flavor. For shrimp, watch closely and remove them when they are pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast.

Flavor variations

You can change the flavor in a lot of easy ways. Add a spoonful of stir fry sauce for a sweet-savory twist, or go with cumin and chili powder for a more Mexican-style version. If you want a softer herbal note, try thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of Italian seasoning.

A little Parmesan on top can also be nice if you are serving this with pasta. For a brighter finish, add extra lemon juice just before serving.

Presentation tips

For a pretty plate, pile the broccoli and shrimp together in a shallow bowl, then spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Add a few fresh lemon slices for color. A sprinkle of parsley also works well if you have some on hand.

If you are serving guests, pair the dish with rice in one bowl and noodles in another, then let everyone choose. It looks simple, fresh, and inviting without needing much fuss.

Make-ahead options

You can prep the shrimp and broccoli earlier in the day and store them separately in the fridge. You can also mince the garlic and slice the lemon ahead of time. When dinner time comes, the dish cooks fast enough to feel nearly instant.

If you like planning meals ahead, this recipe fits into a weekly rotation nicely because the ingredients are easy to find and the method stays the same every time. It is the kind of meal that feels special without slowing you down.

How to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Let leftovers cool first, then place them in an airtight container. Store the shrimp and broccoli in the fridge for up to 3 days. The butter sauce may thicken as it chills, but that is normal.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, although shrimp is always best fresh. If you freeze leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags and use them within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir gently until warmed through. Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery, so use that method only if you are in a hurry.

Meal prep considerations

If you are prepping for lunches, store rice or noodles separately so they do not soak up all the sauce. That helps keep the texture better. This recipe also works well for quick lunch bowls the next day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🦐🥦 Whip up garlic butter shrimp and broccoli in 30 minutes – juicy seafood, tender veggies in rich, zesty sauce!
🦐🧈 One-pan low-carb powerhouse, high-protein weeknight winner bursting with garlic chili flavor.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First Step: Get everything ready before the pan heats up Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, rinse the broccoli florets, and measure out the salt, pepper, paprika, butter, garlic, red chili flakes, lemon slices, and Italian seasoning if you are using it. This recipe moves quickly, so setting everything out first makes the cooking process much easier. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels if you can. Dry shrimp brown better in the pan and are less likely to steam. If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cool running water first, then dry them well before cooking.

2-Second Step: Cook the broccoli in hot oil Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add a large drizzle of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets, then season them with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until the broccoli softens and gets a few charred bits on the edges. This step adds a deep roasted flavor even though you are not using the oven. If the broccoli starts to brown too fast, lower the heat slightly. Once the broccoli is done, transfer it to a dish and set it aside.

3-Third Step: Cook the shrimp until just done Lower the heat to medium and add another drizzle of olive oil to the same pan. Add the 8 oz raw shrimp and season them with 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes total, flipping once if needed, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. A good rule is about 3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp. You want them juicy, not rubbery. As soon as they are done, transfer them to the same dish with the broccoli. Keep a close eye on shrimp. They go from perfect to overcooked very quickly, so pull them from the pan as soon as they are opaque and pink.

4-Fourth Step: Make the garlic butter sauce In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often so it does not burn. Garlic cooks fast, so stay close to the stove. Next, add 1 teaspoon red chili flakes and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning if you want that extra herb flavor. Cook for another minute so the spices wake up in the butter. This is where the sauce starts to smell amazing, and it is what gives the dish its signature flavor.

5-Fifth Step: Finish with lemon and bring everything together Add 4 to 5 lemon slices to the skillet and let them warm in the butter sauce for a moment. Return the broccoli and shrimp to the pan, then toss everything together so the sauce coats each piece. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust if needed. If you want a little more salt, add it now. If you want more heat, sprinkle on a few more chili flakes. When everything is coated and hot, your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is ready to serve.

6-Final Step: Serve it your way You can serve this dish as is for a lighter meal or spoon it over rice or pasta. It also tastes great with noodles, which makes the buttery sauce stretch a little further. For a simple family dinner, pair it with a green salad or crusty bread. The whole meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it is a strong choice for nights when time is tight but you still want something homemade.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🔥 Don’t crowd pan – cook in batches if needed for even charring.
🦐 Thaw frozen shrimp under cool running water for quick prep.
🌶️ Adjust chili flakes for spice level; add fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Pescatarian, Keto-Friendly

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg