Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Broccoli

• 1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 5 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ¼ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley

• Lemon wedges

• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Broccoli

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes.

3. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to preserve their bright green color.

4. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

3. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.

4. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium.

2. Melt the butter in the same skillet.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Stir in:

   • Chicken broth

   • Lemon juice

   • Lemon zest

   • Parmesan cheese

   • Red pepper flakes (if using)

Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4 – Combine

1. Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss until coated in the garlic butter sauce.

2. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan.

3. Toss gently for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.

4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Chef's Tips

• Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they only need a few minutes.

• Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen broccoli works well too.

• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

• Finish with extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

• Serve immediately while the butter sauce is warm and glossy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Garlic butter pasta

• Cauliflower rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Quinoa

• Warm crusty bread

• A crisp green salad

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~340 kcal

• Protein: 34 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 610 mg

Serving Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet is a quick, flavorful meal featuring tender, juicy shrimp and vibrant broccoli tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with Parmesan, fresh lemon, and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a wholesome, protein-packed dish that's perfect for busy weeknights while still elegant enough for entertaining. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and bursting with fresh, savory flavor.