Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet – A Bright & Flavorful One-Pan Meal!

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You know that feeling when you want something fast but still feel like you actually cooked? That’s this recipe. It’s the weeknight hero we all need: juicy shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a garlic butter sauce that’s just begging to be mopped up with some crusty bread. 🌿🍤

I first made this on a summer evening when I had exactly 20 minutes before my family started scavenging the kitchen for snacks. The result? A light, garlicky, lemony skillet dinner that tastes fancy but requires almost no effort. It’s fresh, buttery, and has just enough heat to keep things interesting.

The best part? One pan, no mess, and ready in under 25 minutes. Let’s do this!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – 20 minutes from start to finish!
✔ Light & Healthy – Naturally low-carb and packed with protein.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more deliciousness.
✔ Customizable – Swap the asparagus for green beans, zucchini, or even mushrooms!
✔ Bursting with Flavor – Garlic butter, fresh lemon, and just the right amount of spice.

📌 Quick Reference

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

Key Ingredients at a Glance

🦐 Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined
🌿 Asparagus – Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
🧄 Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor
🧈 Butter – Because garlic needs butter
🍋 Lemon Juice – For a bright, fresh finish
🌶️ Red Pepper Flakes – A touch of heat

📌 Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tbsp butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps:

✅ Veggies: Swap asparagus for zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.
✅ Protein: Try scallops instead of shrimp.
✅ Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.

📌 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Prep Your Ingredients

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear instead of steam!
• Trim the asparagus and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp

• Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Asparagus

• In the same skillet, add the last 1 tbsp butter and the asparagus.
• Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp but still bright green.

4️⃣ Bring It All Together

• Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and stir to coat.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using.

📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas

This dish is amazing on its own, but if you want to level it up:
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Mop up that garlicky butter!
🍚 Over Rice or Quinoa – To make it a heartier meal.
🍝 With Pasta – Toss it with linguine or angel hair.
🥗 Next to a Salad – A light, fresh side balances it out.

📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

🧊 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
🔥 To Reheat: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil.
❄ To Freeze: Not recommended—shrimp can get rubbery.

📌 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet is one of those “I can’t believe I made this in 20 minutes” meals. It’s fresh, buttery, and ridiculously easy. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you served yours!

💬 Have a favorite way to customize this? Share your twist in the comments!
📸 Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @SouthernSoilSunshine!

More Quick & Flavorful Recipes:
👉 Lemon Butter Chicken Skillet
👉 Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
👉 Easy Cajun Shrimp & Grits