Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet: A One-Pan Dinner That Delivers Big Flavor Fast
When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and satisfying, nothing beats a skillet meal—and this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet checks every box. Juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic butter sauce come together in one pan for a restaurant-worthy meal you can pull off on even the busiest weeknight.
This recipe is designed for real life. It’s quick without tasting rushed, indulgent without being heavy, and flexible enough to work with what you already have in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping a healthy dinner for yourself, or trying to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this dish earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
Let’s dive into everything that makes this skillet recipe so irresistible—and exactly how to make it perfectly every time.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Works So Well
Shrimp is one of the fastest-cooking proteins available, making it ideal for weeknight meals. Pair it with broccoli, a vegetable that holds its texture beautifully in high heat, and you’ve got the foundation for a balanced, colorful dish. Add garlic butter to the mix, and suddenly simple ingredients transform into something deeply comforting and crave-worthy.
This dish also hits several key cooking sweet spots:
- One pan, minimal cleanup
- High protein, low carb
- Naturally gluten-free
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Easy to customize
It’s no surprise that garlic butter shrimp recipes consistently rank among the most searched seafood dinners—and this broccoli-packed skillet version makes it even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor while keeping the dish light and fresh.
Ingredients:
- Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest (optional but recommended)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Using fresh shrimp and fresh broccoli makes a noticeable difference, but frozen shrimp (fully thawed and dried) works beautifully when needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Set aside. - Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended):
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1–2 minutes until bright green. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water. This ensures tender broccoli without overcooking in the skillet. - Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. - Cook the Shrimp:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. - Build the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned. - Add Broccoli:
Add broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and lightly caramelized. - Finish the Dish:
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper searing.
- Do not overcook shrimp—they should curl gently, not tightly.
- Use medium-high heat to build flavor without steaming.
- Add garlic after butter melts, not before, to prevent burning.
- Finish with lemon for brightness and balance.
Delicious Variations to Try
This skillet is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few popular twists:
Spicy Cajun Style:
Add Cajun seasoning and extra red pepper flakes.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp:
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Asian-Inspired:
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a drizzle of honey.
Extra Veggies:
Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
Low-Fat Option:
Reduce butter slightly and increase olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
- Pasta or orzo
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
It also works wonderfully as a meal-prep protein, reheating gently without losing texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers an excellent balance of nutrients:
- Shrimp: Lean protein, rich in selenium and B12
- Broccoli: Fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants
- Garlic: Immune-boosting properties
- Healthy fats: From butter and olive oil
It’s satisfying without being heavy—ideal for lunch or dinner.
A Little Garlic Butter History
Garlic butter sauces have roots in French and Mediterranean cuisines, where simple fats are used to elevate fresh ingredients. Shrimp, often associated with coastal cooking, pairs naturally with butter and garlic—a timeless combination that’s stood the test of generations.
Why This Recipe Is a FoodieMoms Favorite
This recipe embodies what FoodieMoms is all about: real ingredients, family-friendly meals, and big flavor without complicated steps. It’s weeknight-friendly yet elegant enough to serve guests, making it one of those rare dishes that works for nearly every occasion.
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
- Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
- Return shrimp to skillet, add lemon juice, toss to combine.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
