If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, vibrantly colorful, and ready in a flash, then you absolutely must try this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe. It’s one of those meals that perfectly balances the sweet, delicate shrimp with the fresh, crisp broccoli, all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and a hint of lemon zing. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and keeping everything packed with bold, homey flavor. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for unexpected guests, this recipe will never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is that it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one was chosen to bring out the best in texture, taste, and color so that your palate will be dancing with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This citrusy, smooth oil is perfect for sautéing and helps to keep everything tender and slightly crisp.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, juicy and sweet, cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with garlic.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and green, these add a satisfying crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is where all the magic begins, imparting a warm, fragrant base to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a little gentle kick, these flakes add depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons everything just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and peppery background note.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water: Keeps the broccoli perfectly steamed and juicy while blending flavors.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A fresh burst of acidity to brighten and lift every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a lovely finishing touch that melts just enough to add a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional): To turn this into a hearty, comforting meal that satisfies every appetite.
How to Make One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous pink and curl slightly; this quick cook preserves their juicy tenderness. When done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside — don’t worry, they’ll be making a lovely return shortly.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same pan, add the minced garlic along with the optional red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The garlic will start releasing that fantastic aroma right away, so be ready to enjoy it! Next, toss in your broccoli florets and sauté everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking keeps the broccoli bright green and crunchy, just the way you want it.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth or water to the pan and cover it with a lid. Let it steam for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, which allows the broccoli to soften to that perfect tender-crisp texture without turning mushy. It also helps all the garlic and pepper flake flavors merge delightfully into the florets.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Remove the lid and stir the cooked shrimp back into the pan along with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle mix and cook for an additional minute just to warm the shrimp through again and meld the flavors beautifully. If you like, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt slightly for a subtle, indulgent finish.
How to Serve One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or finely sliced green onions over the dish. This adds a fresh herbal note that complements the garlicky shrimp perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens every bite for those who love a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a bed of fluffy cooked rice or al dente pasta to soak up the garlicky sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even a crisp side salad for contrast. The versatility is fantastic and allows you to tailor the meal to your cravings or dietary needs.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the shrimp and broccoli atop a warm slice of toasted sourdough or alongside garlic-infused quinoa for a hearty, textured experience. You might also try stuffing the shrimp and broccoli mixture into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to wow guests at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Place the cooled shrimp and broccoli mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Stir frequently until heated through but be careful not to cook the shrimp too long again, as they can become rubbery. Alternatively, a microwave on low power in short intervals works well too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and broccoli for this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp and broccoli dry before cooking. This helps avoid excess water in the pan and ensures everything sautés nicely instead of steaming too much.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe are naturally gluten-free, especially if you serve it without pasta or with a gluten-free side like rice or cauliflower rice.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to increase both nutrition and color. Just add them with the broccoli in the sauté step to keep the cook times aligned.
What can I do to make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is flavorful enough on its own that the cheese is an optional finishing touch.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth and depth of flavor, not overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily leave them out without losing much of the dish’s character.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something fast, fresh, and utterly delicious. Its vibrant flavors and comforting one-pan convenience make it a joy to cook and eat. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a staple in your own kitchen rotation!
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: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh broccoli and garlic, finished with a splash of lemon and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a low-carb and gluten-free dish that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta or stands well on its own.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Finishing Touches
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In the same pan, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, then add broccoli florets. Sauté for 1–2 minutes to allow the garlic to become fragrant and broccoli to start softening.
- Steam the Broccoli: Pour in the chicken broth or water, then cover the pan with a lid. Let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp, striking a perfect balance between crunch and tenderness.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the lid and stir in the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately over cooked rice or pasta or enjoy as is for a low-carb option.
Notes
- To keep the dish low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice or eat it on its own without grains.
- Adding a splash of white wine during the sauté step can enhance the flavor profile.
- Frozen shrimp and broccoli can be used; just make sure to thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
