This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Succulent shrimp and perfectly cooked broccoli are coated in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. The combination of shrimp, broccoli, and a garlicky, buttery sauce makes for an irresistible meal that’s ready in just under 30 minutes. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¼ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for Serving:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Cooked pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

• Cooked rice (white or brown)

• Crusty bread for dipping

Directions

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

   • Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Set the broccoli aside to keep warm.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

   • In the same skillet used for the broccoli, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

   • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, if using, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in oregano and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss gently to combine everything.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350-450 kcal (depending on serving with pasta or rice)

• Fat: 20-30g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 10-20g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Protein: 30-40g

• Sodium: 800mg

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is So Special

What makes Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli stand out is its delicious simplicity. The shrimp cook quickly and absorb the rich garlic butter sauce, which is made even more flavorful with a touch of lemon and herbs like thyme and oregano. The broccoli adds a fresh and healthy element to the dish, providing crunch and color that complements the rich shrimp and buttery sauce.

The dish is versatile, allowing you to serve it over rice, pasta, or just enjoy it on its own. The garlic butter sauce is the real star here, tying everything together with its deep, savory flavor and slight acidity from the lemon juice. It’s an easy, balanced meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

• Shrimp: Shrimp is the main protein in this dish, cooking quickly and soaking up the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. Its naturally sweet and tender texture pairs wonderfully with the richness of the butter and garlic.

• Garlic: Garlic is a key flavor in both the shrimp and the garlic butter sauce. It imparts an aromatic, savory depth to the dish, making it incredibly flavorful.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the shrimp and broccoli. It helps to create a flavorful base and allows the ingredients to cook evenly.

• White Wine (Optional): White wine is used to deglaze the skillet, adding a subtle acidity and complexity to the sauce. It helps bring all the flavors together and adds a slight depth to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the base of the garlic butter sauce, adding richness and depth while balancing the richness of the butter.

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity that brightens the flavors of the shrimp and broccoli. It cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a zesty note to the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the shrimp and the richness of the garlic butter. It’s optional but adds a nice kick to the dish.

• Herbs (Oregano & Thyme): Dried oregano and thyme add savory herbal notes that complement the garlic butter sauce, enhancing its flavor profile.

• Broccoli: Broccoli adds freshness, texture, and color to the dish, making it both healthy and visually appealing.

• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a salty, umami-rich finish that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, and it’s a perfect example of how to combine fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

   • Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

   • Add the broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Set the broccoli aside to keep warm.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

   • Pat the shrimp dry and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

   • In the same skillet used for the broccoli, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

   • If using white wine, deglaze the skillet with it and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in oregano and thyme, and simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss everything together gently to combine.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re properly thawed before cooking.

• Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some diced fresh chili to the shrimp.

• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a bit more butter. For a lighter version, use less butter and increase the chicken broth.

• Serve with Your Favorite Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a light salad. For a low-carb version, serve it alone or with cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

• With Pasta: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a complete meal. The sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta.

• With Rice: A side of steamed white or brown rice is a great option to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

• With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

• With Salad: Pair the dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the garlic butter.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

Each serving of Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on whether you serve it with pasta or rice. The dish has 20-30 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, and provides 30-40 grams of protein. With 3 grams of fiber and 10-20 grams of carbohydrates, it’s a well-rounded meal. The sodium content is 800 mg per serving, so be mindful of the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is an easy, flavorful, and quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and the rich, garlicky butter sauce makes for a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is a satisfying and healthy option that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy shrimp and vegetables in a delicious, simple meal.