15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli: The Ultimate One-Pan Healthy Dinner

Stuck in a dinner rut? Racing against the clock after a long workday? We’ve all been there—staring into the fridge at 6 PM with hungry family members circling like sharks. This 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a one-pan healthy dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, perfect for those nights when takeout seems like the only option. Trust me, this quick shrimp dinner will have you wondering why you ever reached for that delivery app!

Why This 15-Minute Shrimp Dinner Works for Busy Families

Let’s face it—between work deadlines, kids’ activities, and life’s constant demands, cooking a nutritious dinner often falls to the bottom of the priority list. That’s exactly why this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

A Time-Saving Solution for Weeknight Chaos

What makes this recipe a game-changer is its simplicity. One pan means minimal cleanup. Fifteen minutes means you can cook it in less time than it takes to order and wait for delivery. Even on your most chaotic days, you can pull this quick shrimp dinner together without breaking a sweat.

I was skeptical that anything this quick could taste restaurant-quality, but my family requests this weekly now!” says one Tom Tuesday Dinner fan. When you’re juggling soccer practice, homework help, and your own exhaustion, having a reliable recipe that doesn’t sacrifice quality for speed is like finding gold.

Nutrition That Doesn’t Sacrifice Flavor

The beauty of this one-pan healthy dinner is that it doesn’t feel like “health food.” The rich garlic butter sauce creates a luxurious coating that transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. Meanwhile, you’re serving a protein-packed, vegetable-rich meal that supports your family’s nutrition goals without any eye-rolling from picky eaters.

What Makes This One-Pan Healthy Dinner Special

There’s no shortage of quick shrimp recipes out there, but few deliver the perfect trifecta of speed, nutrition, and incredible flavor like this one does.

The Perfect Protein-Veggie Balance

While many quick dinners lean heavily on carbs for filling power, this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli centers on protein and vegetables. This balance keeps you satisfied longer and provides sustained energy—unlike the crash that follows carb-heavy meals. Plus, the natural pairing of sweet, tender shrimp with slightly crisp broccoli creates textural harmony that makes every bite interesting.

Flavor-Packed with Minimal Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. The garlic butter sauce—enriched with a touch of lemon and red pepper flakes—creates a flavor foundation that makes these simple ingredients shine. It’s proof that sometimes, less truly is more when it comes to creating memorable meals.

Ingredients for Your 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to create this weeknight wonder. The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on ingredients you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store.

Shopping List Essentials

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 4 tablespoons butter (or substitute)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjustable to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

That’s it! No lengthy ingredient list to navigate or specialized products to hunt down.

Smart Substitutions for Dietary Needs

One of the reasons this quick shrimp dinner works for so many families is its adaptability to different dietary requirements.

Keto-Friendly Options

Following a low-carb or keto diet? This recipe is already a perfect fit! To make it even more keto-friendly, use ghee instead of butter for a higher smoke point and substitute coconut aminos for any soy sauce if you choose to add it.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Can’t do dairy? No problem! Swap the butter for olive oil or a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the dish remains delicious and satisfying.

Gluten-Free Modifications

This one-pan healthy dinner is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be careful with any store-bought seasonings you might add—always check labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Quick Shrimp Dinner Success

Now for the fun part—let’s cook! Remember, the key to this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is preparation. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures you’ll actually hit that 15-minute mark.

Prep Work (5 Minutes)

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures they’ll sear rather than steam, giving you that perfect texture.
2. Cut broccoli into even-sized florets so they cook uniformly.
3. Mince garlic, chop parsley, and prepare lemon for juicing and zesting.
4. Gather all other ingredients and measure spices so everything is within arm’s reach.

Cooking Process (10 Minutes)

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Add broccoli to the hot pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Push broccoli to one side of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty space.
4. Once butter melts, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add shrimp to the garlic butter in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Toss everything together, add remaining butter, lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 1 additional minute until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Grab your skillet and dig in! The entire cooking process takes just 10 minutes from start to finish.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowded shrimp will steam rather than sear, robbing you of that beautiful caramelization that adds depth of flavor.

Watch the garlic carefully as it cooks. There’s a fine line between fragrant, golden garlic and bitter, burnt garlic. If your pan runs hot, reduce the heat when adding the garlic.

For extra-juicy shrimp, try brining them in salt water for 15 minutes before cooking (if you have time). Even this quick brine makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor.

5 Reasons This Meal Beats Takeout Every Time

Still tempted to order in? Here’s why this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli outperforms your favorite delivery:

1. It’s faster: Ready in less time than delivery takes to arrive
2. It’s fresher: No soggy vegetables or rubbery shrimp here!
3. It’s healthier: Control exactly what goes into your meal
4. It’s cheaper: Premium ingredients for a fraction of restaurant prices
5. It’s customizable: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences

Pin this for later! The #1 saved shrimp recipe on Pinterest for quick weeknight dinners!

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

While this one-pan healthy dinner is satisfying on its own, here are some ideas to round out your meal depending on your family’s appetite and preferences.

Simple Side Options

• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice (pre-made microwaveable packets work great for speed)
• Crusty bread for soaking up that incredible garlic butter sauce
• Quick-cooking quinoa for added protein and fiber
• A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette

Make It a Family Feast

For larger gatherings or heartier appetites, consider these additions:

• Add a starter of store-bought hummus and cut vegetables
• Serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes (they can roast while you’re preparing the main dish)
• Finish with a no-fuss dessert like fresh berries with whipped cream or a high-quality store-bought sorbet

Meal Prep and Storage Tips for Quick Shrimp Recipes

This 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli isn’t just great for immediate consumption—it also works well as part of your meal prep strategy.

Make-Ahead Options

While the dish comes together quickly enough to make fresh each time, you can prep components in advance:

• Clean and cut broccoli up to 3 days ahead
• Mince garlic and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Mix your spices and have them ready to go

For true meal prep, consider preparing the entire dish and portioning it into microwave-safe containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Proper Storage Guidelines

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Freezing is not recommended for this particular dish as both the texture of the shrimp and broccoli will suffer.

Health Benefits: Why Shrimp and Broccoli Make a Power Couple

This quick shrimp dinner isn’t just convenient—it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why these two main ingredients deserve superfood status:

Protein Power from Shrimp

Shrimp delivers an impressive protein punch with minimal calories. A 3-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of high-quality protein while being low in fat. They’re also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and contain significant amounts of vitamin B12, iron, and phosphorus.

For those watching cholesterol, the latest research suggests the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp may actually offset concerns about dietary cholesterol.

Broccoli’s Nutritional Superpowers

This cruciferous vegetable brings serious nutritional credentials to your one-pan healthy dinner:

• Rich in fiber for digestive health
• Packed with vitamins C and K
• Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation
• Provides folate, important for cell division and DNA synthesis

Together, shrimp and broccoli create a meal that supports muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health—all while tasting incredible.

Recipe Variations to Keep It Fresh

Once you’ve mastered the basic 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, try these variations to keep your dinner rotation exciting:

Spice Level Adjustments

• Thai-inspired: Add a tablespoon of Thai curry paste and a splash of coconut milk
• Cajun kick: Substitute Cajun seasoning for the red pepper flakes
• Mediterranean style: Add capers, olives, and roasted red peppers

Seasonal Veggie Swaps

While broccoli works perfectly year-round, try these seasonal vegetable alternatives:

• Spring: Asparagus and snap peas
• Summer: Zucchini and cherry tomatoes
• Fall: Brussels sprouts and butternut squash
• Winter: Cauliflower and kale

Try our popular Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos next for another quick shrimp dinner option your family will love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water first (usually takes about 10-15 minutes). Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper searing. In fact, many chefs prefer frozen shrimp as they’re typically frozen right on the boat, preserving freshness.

How can I meal prep this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Prepare the entire dish, allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For best results, slightly undercook the broccoli if you plan to reheat later. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavors.

Can I substitute another protein for the shrimp?

Absolutely! Chicken tenderloins work well and cook quickly. Cubed firm tofu is excellent for vegetarians—just be sure to press it well before cooking to remove excess moisture. For both alternatives, adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Most kids love the mild, sweet flavor of shrimp paired with the garlicky butter sauce. For pickier eaters, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Getting kids involved in the cooking process often increases their willingness to try new foods!

What’s the best pan to use for this one-pan dinner?

A 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best. Non-stick pans are convenient but won’t give you the same caramelization on the shrimp. Whatever you use, make sure it’s large enough to hold all ingredients without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game

In a world where time is precious and nutrition often takes a backseat to convenience, this 15-minute garlic butter shrimp and broccoli stands as proof that you really can have it all. It’s quick without compromising quality, nutritious without sacrificing flavor, and simple without being boring.

The next time you feel the familiar 6 PM panic setting in, remember that this one-pan healthy dinner is waiting in your back pocket. It’s more than just a meal—it’s peace of mind knowing you can nourish yourself and your loved ones beautifully, even on the busiest days.

Try it tonight and tag #TomTuesdayDinner on social media to share your creation! We’d love to see how this quick shrimp dinner becomes part of your family’s story.

Tom’s Tuesday Dinner has been featured in Food Network for fast, family-friendly meals since 2018.