If you’re after a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comes together in twenty minutes, and checks all the right boxes for health and satisfaction, then Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine juicy shrimp and tender broccoli florets all coated in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce with just the right hint of citrus and smoky spice. This is that recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again, thanks to its perfect balance of taste, ease, and pure comfort.

Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli gets its irresistible flavor from a short, straightforward list of ingredients that work together like old friends. Each one is simple, but together, they make every bite memorable—think pops of freshness, rich succulence, and a savory backdrop you’ll want to soak up with every forkful.

Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking, plump, and sweet, shrimp bring the star power and plenty of lean protein.
Broccoli florets (4 cups): Bright green and slightly crisp, broccoli adds nutrition, color, and the perfect bite for contrast.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The backbone of our sauce, butter adds richness and helps every flavor shine.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Essential for its bold, savory aroma and depth—use freshly minced for the best punch.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lets you sauté at a higher heat, while bringing a subtle, fruity note to the veggies.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A squeeze of lemon keeps things lively, brightening up the sauce and cutting through the richness.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and that irresistible smoky touch; don’t skip it if you want that wow factor!
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that brings it all together; add little by little and taste as you go.
Fresh parsley & lemon wedges (for garnish, optional): For a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness, plus extra citrus to taste.

How to Make Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Start by heating that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add all the broccoli florets. Give them a good toss, letting the heat work its magic until the broccoli turns a vibrant green and becomes just tender with a little crunch—about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so every piece gets a chance to sear, soaking up the olive oil flavor.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Push the broccoli to the side of the skillet to create space for your next flavor layer—the garlic butter. Add the butter and minced garlic to the cleared side, letting them melt and gently sizzle together for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Keep a watchful eye so the garlic doesn’t brown. This step infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic lift, setting the stage for all that follows.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp straight into that garlicky pool of melted butter. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side—just until they curl and turn pink. Stir and flip as needed for even cooking. The key here is not to overcook the shrimp; you want them juicy and succulent, soaking up every bit of flavor from the pan.

Step 4: Toss, Finish, and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked through, toss everything together: shrimp, broccoli, garlic butter—all mingling happily. Drizzle the lemon juice over the skillet, giving the dish its final zing. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges if you like. Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is ready for the table, piping hot and simply irresistible.

How to Serve Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds eye-catching green and a gentle herbal note that complements the richness. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a fresh squeeze at the table, personalizing their plate and bumping up the brightness. You can even try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick!

Side Dishes

Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli pairs beautifully with grains or light starches. Try it over a bowl of brown rice for nutty depth, fluffy quinoa for bonus protein, or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb and satisfyingly light. Even a warm crusty whole grain bread will help scoop up all that garlic butter sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl, or portion it into individual meal prep containers for colorful, inviting lunches. For a special dinner, pile the shrimp and broccoli on top of a roasted sweet potato or atop crisp salad greens for a modern twist. However you plate it, Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli always looks vibrant and tempting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli quickly, then transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, so you can look forward to a fuss-free, ready-made lunch that tastes just as fresh the next day.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, the texture is best when enjoyed fresh. If you do want to freeze leftovers, let everything cool first, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the broccoli may soften a bit after thawing, but all those savory flavors will still shine.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra lemon juice if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long—shrimp can turn rubbery if overheated. With a little care, your leftovers will be almost as good as when you first made them!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents excess water from making the sauce runny.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

You can try other quick-cooking veggies like asparagus, snap peas, or zucchini. Whatever you use, make sure the pieces are cut to similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the shrimp.

Is Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli good for meal prep?

Yes! This dish keeps its bold flavors and doesn’t get soggy when chilled. Portion it out with your favorite grain, and you’ll have delicious protein-packed meals ready for busy days.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap out the butter for a dairy-free, plant-based alternative or use a bit more olive oil instead. You’ll still get plenty of rich flavor and that signature heat from the garlic.

Will this work with smaller or larger shrimp?

Definitely! Just adjust the cooking time so the shrimp don’t overcook. Smaller shrimp will cook even more quickly, while jumbo shrimp need a bit longer per side.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about having a go-to dish that’s both quick and wonderfully tasty. I hope you give Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli a try soon—it’s a true weeknight champion that suits any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce and paired with tender broccoli for a satisfying and low-carb dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Broccoli:

4 cups broccoli florets

Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender.
Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp: Push broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic to the other side. Cook until fragrant. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
Combine and Serve: Toss shrimp and broccoli with garlic butter. Drizzle with lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.