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.