Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet is a quick, flavour-packed dinner made with juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, fragrant garlic butter and fresh lemon. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this an easy option for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
Honestly, this is the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel effortless. The shrimp cook quickly, the broccoli adds plenty of texture, and the garlic butter brings everything together with a bright lemon finish.
- Quick and easy: The whole dish is ready in around 20 minutes.
- One-skillet meal: Less washing up means more time to enjoy dinner.
- Big garlic butter flavour: Butter, garlic and lemon create a simple but delicious sauce.
- Protein-packed: Each serving provides approximately 31g of protein.
- Fresh and colourful: Broccoli, parsley and lemon give the finished dish a vibrant look.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Broccoli
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes, optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
1. Prepare the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add the shrimp and paprika to the empty side.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Add the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring everything together, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the melted butter coats the shrimp and broccoli.
4. Add the Lemon
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and broccoli. Sprinkle with chilli flakes if using.
Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter mixture.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Add grated Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Keeping the shrimp in a single layer helps them cook evenly.
- Watch the shrimp closely: Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid leaving them in the pan longer than necessary.
- Keep the broccoli slightly crisp: Cooking it until just tender gives the dish a better texture.
- Add the garlic over medium heat: This helps it become fragrant without burning.
- Finish with lemon: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
This skillet can be served on its own for a simple meal, or paired with your favourite side if you’d like something more substantial.
Serve it straight from the skillet while the shrimp are warm and the garlic butter is still glossy. Fresh parsley, lemon zest and lemon wedges add a bright finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
The recipe calls for peeled and deveined shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are properly thawed and drained before cooking so excess water doesn’t interfere with browning.
Can I make this recipe without chilli flakes?
Yes. The chilli flakes are optional, so simply leave them out for a milder version.
Can I add Parmesan?
Yes. The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan as an optional garnish.
How long does shrimp take to cook?
In this recipe, the shrimp are cooked for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Can I use other vegetables?
This recipe is specifically built around shrimp and broccoli, but the skillet format makes it easy to enjoy with vegetables you like.
Nutrition & Timing
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 22 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | Approx. 320 per serving |
| Protein | 31g per serving |
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet proves that a simple dinner doesn’t have to be boring. Juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, buttery garlic, paprika, chilli and fresh lemon come together in one skillet for a meal that’s quick, colourful and full of flavour.
Serve it hot with plenty of fresh parsley and lemon, and you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner ready in just about 20 minutes.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet is a quick, flavour-packed dinner made with juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, fragrant garlic butter and fresh lemon. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this an easy option for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups broccoli florets
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chilli flakes, optional
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Lemon wedges, for serving
2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
2. Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add the shrimp and paprika to the empty side. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring everything together, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the melted butter coats the shrimp and broccoli.
4. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and broccoli. Sprinkle with chilli flakes if using. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter mixture.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Add grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Keeping the shrimp in a single layer helps them cook evenly.
Watch the shrimp closely because they cook quickly. Avoid leaving them in the pan longer than necessary.
Keep the broccoli slightly crisp by cooking it until just tender.
Add the garlic over medium heat so it becomes fragrant without burning.
Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the garlic butter sauce.
If using frozen shrimp, thaw and drain them properly before cooking.
Chilli flakes are optional and can be left out for a milder version.
Serve straight from the skillet while the shrimp are warm and the garlic butter is still glossy.
Fresh parsley, lemon zest and lemon wedges make a bright finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
