There’s something so satisfying about cooking a full meal in one skillet, especially when it’s as fresh and vibrant as this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Asparagus Skillet. It’s light but rich, simple but elegant, and comes together in minutes — exactly the kind of dinner I reach for on busy weeknights or when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
The tender shrimp cook quickly in buttery garlic, and the crisp asparagus gets just enough lemony brightness to balance everything out. It’s perfect on its own, but I also love serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
Let me show you how I make this quick and delicious dish that always feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Asparagus Skillet
- Quick and easy — Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy and fresh — Packed with protein and crisp vegetables.
- Perfect for one-pan cooking — Less mess and cleanup.
- Customizable — Serve over pasta, rice, or quinoa.
- Bright, garlicky, and satisfying — Every bite is full of fresh flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 2-3 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Asparagus Skillet
1. Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt slowly, making sure not to brown it.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
3. Add the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Toss in the Asparagus
Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the asparagus in the buttery garlic mixture.
5. Squeeze in Fresh Lemon Juice
Pour the lemon juice over the shrimp and asparagus. The acidity brightens up the richness of the butter and garlic beautifully.
6. Finish Cooking
Let everything cook together for another 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp and vibrant green.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. I love pairing this dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that garlicky, lemony butter.
My Tips for the Best Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — They cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, cleanest flavor.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear nicely.
- Trim the asparagus ends to remove any tough, woody parts.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top if you love a cheesy finish.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta for a light pasta dinner.
- Swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli if you prefer different veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Q: What other proteins can I use?
A: Scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut also work beautifully in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Q: Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
A: Yes! It reheats well, and the flavors are just as delicious the next day.
A Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful Meal You’ll Make Again and Again
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Asparagus Skillet is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or anytime you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! Add your own creative twists or serve it over your favorite grains and share your version. Enjoy every buttery, lemony bite!
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Asparagus Skillet – A Light, Flavorful One-Pan Meal
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, but still crisp.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, add lemon zest and juice, and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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