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One Pot Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

One Pot Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli - Fast, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Cooked rice, noodles, or crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the shrimp and broccoli: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam. Toss them with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the paprika. Cut broccoli into small, even florets for quick, consistent cooking.
  • Steam-sauté the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high. Add broccoli and a pinch of salt. Cook 2 minutes, stirring once. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and steam 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
  • Sear the shrimp: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When hot and foamy, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque and lightly golden. Remove shrimp to the plate with the broccoli.
  • Build the garlic butter sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned. Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Deglaze and season: Pour in a splash more broth or water if the pan looks dry. Scrape up any browned bits—they add big flavor. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Bring it together: Return shrimp and broccoli to the pan. Toss to coat in the garlicky sauce for 30–60 seconds until heated through. Add more lemon juice to taste and sprinkle with parsley.
  • Serve: Spoon over rice or noodles, or serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Finish with an extra crack of pepper and a final squeeze of lemon if you like.