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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus

one-pan garlic butter shrimp and asparagus - featured image

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring shrimp and asparagus sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the shrimp thoroughly. Trim the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and chop parsley.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Let the butter melt and start to foam, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink edges appear, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Toss asparagus pieces into the pan. Stir well to coat in butter and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender but still crisp.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir until the butter melts, creating a glossy sauce.
  7. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Keep pan hot to get a quick sear without burning garlic. Add the final tablespoon of butter at the end for a silky sauce. Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. Blot shrimp if they release too much liquid to prevent steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, asparagus, garlic butter, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb, gluten-free