If you’re looking for a meal that checks every box—fast, fresh, minimal cleanup, and bold with flavor—One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings juicy shrimp and vibrant broccoli florets together in an irresistible garlicky sauce, all cooked in a single skillet. With a handful of everyday ingredients and barely any prep, it’s the kind of no-fuss dinner that feels special but is always totally doable, even on your busiest night. Serve it over rice, pasta, or just straight from the pan, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli so magical is just how accessible (yet essential) each ingredient is. Every item plays a role—bringing savoriness, color, texture, or that punchy brightness that makes each bite so good. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for using each:
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined large shrimp cook lightning-fast and soak up all that garlic flavor—fresh or thawed frozen both work great.
- Broccoli Florets: Choose vibrant, sturdy stalks for the best color and crunch—frozen broccoli is a fine stand-in when you’re low on fresh.
- Olive Oil: Divided between sautéing and flavor, olive oil keeps everything silky and full of heart-healthy richness.
- Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp here—the garlic is the backbone of the dish, adding depth and that irresistible aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Just a pinch adds a gentle heat and lots of character; leave it out if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Salt: Even a small amount brings all the flavors together and enhances the natural savory notes.
- Black Pepper: For a gentle bite and a little more depth.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed wakes up every other ingredient and gives the final dish a clean, zesty finish.
- Chicken Broth or Water: This creates a light, flavorful sauce to tie it all together—choose low-sodium for greater control.
- Butter: Stirring in a touch at the end brings a silky finish; use a plant-based butter if you’re dairy-free.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): A shower of green at the end looks beautiful and adds freshness, but feel free to skip if you’re out.
- Cooked Rice or Pasta (Optional): The ultimate way to stretch the meal or soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce.
How to Make One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli
Step 1: Sauté and Steam the Broccoli
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your broccoli florets, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning—this helps build that gorgeous roasted flavor. Next, add a couple of tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and steam the broccoli for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for crisp-tender: bright green, still a bit snappy. Remove the broccoli to a plate and set aside while you get the shrimp ready.
Step 2: Cook the Garlicky Shrimp
In the very same pan (yes, we’re keeping things easy!), drizzle in your remaining tablespoon of olive oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Scatter in the shrimp, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, another pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently; the shrimp will sizzle and start turning a lovely pink. You want them just opaque (about 2 to 3 minutes)—they cook fast, so don’t walk away! This is where One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli gets its savory punch.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the broccoli to your skillet and pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle toss so that those bright, garlicky juices coat every floret and shrimp. Cook for another minute or two, just until everything’s hot and mingling together nicely. Swirl in the butter right at the end, letting it melt for extra richness. If you like, sprinkle parsley over the top for that pop of color and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Serve your One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli immediately, piling it over fluffy rice or twirling with al dente pasta to catch all of those wonderful juices. It’s at its absolute best while the shrimp are still tender and the broccoli is vibrant green.
How to Serve One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli
Garnishes
A little extra love goes a long way with finishing touches. Try a final squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan for an added layer of richness. All these accents make your One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is plenty satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a pot of steaming jasmine rice, tender orzo, or even a thick slice of crusty bread to mop up that garlicky sauce. If you’re craving something fresh, a lemony green salad or cucumber ribbons make a perfect crisp counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
It’s fun to change up how you serve One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli. Pile it family-style right in the skillet for a casual (and impressively easy) centerpiece, tuck it into big shallow bowls over noodles, or even use it to stuff baked potatoes for a comforting twist. Set out extra lemon wedges and chili flakes so everyone can fine-tune their plate to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli will keep well for up to two days. The flavors develop even more overnight, so it makes a tasty lunch the next day—but be sure not to overcook when reheating so the shrimp stay nice and tender.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli, the texture of the broccoli and shrimp may become softer once thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within one month for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until just heated through. Remember, shrimp only need to be warmed—overheating can make them tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are a great time-saver and deliver the same juicy results. If they’re pre-cooked, reduce your cook time so they don’t get rubbery.
What’s the best way to keep the broccoli crisp-tender?
The key is to sauté and then steam briefly, as in this recipe, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Crisp-tender broccoli is all about controlling the cooking time—taste as you go and pull it off the heat when it’s still a bit firm and vibrant green.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Just use a plant-based butter substitute or a drizzle of extra olive oil in place of the butter. The dish will stay creamy and luscious without any dairy at all.
Can I make One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp (peeled and deveined), broccoli florets, and even mince the garlic ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook for a speedy assembly.
What other protein can I use?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or even tofu work well—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The bright flavors of the garlicky sauce and broccoli are flexible and delicious with plenty of proteins.
Final Thoughts
Give One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli a try the next time you crave a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro. The short cook time, tidy cleanup, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a weeknight winner. Don’t be surprised if you’re reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner with this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli recipe. Succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and a garlicky lemon sauce come together in a single skillet for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Other:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until slightly tender. Steam for 2–3 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same pan, cook shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Combine Ingredients: Return broccoli to the pan, add lemon juice and broth. Cook until heated through. Stir in butter and parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately, over rice or pasta if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add white wine or Parmesan.
- Use frozen broccoli if needed, thaw and drain before cooking.
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