Garlic Butter Shrimp Asparagus

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish combines plump shrimp and crisp asparagus, sautéed in a garlic butter sauce for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp is seasoned simply with paprika, salt, and pepper, then cooked in a skillet alongside tender asparagus. Fresh minced garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes infuse the butter and olive oil base, adding depth and a gentle kick. Finished with chopped parsley and served with lemon wedges, it offers a bright, savory experience that comes together in just 20 minutes, ideal for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:08:00 GMT
Succulent One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus served with fresh lemon wedges. Save
Succulent One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus served with fresh lemon wedges. | olivedune.com

Succulent shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus are sautéed together in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, creating a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

This is a go-to recipe when I need something delicious and fast after a long day.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Asparagus: 1 lb (450 g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Lemon: 1, cut into wedges for serving
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic cloves: 4, minced
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add the asparagus and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a plate and set aside.
Step 4:
Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring as needed.
Step 6:
Return asparagus to the pan, add chopped parsley, and toss everything together for 1 minute to heat through.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
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| olivedune.com

My family loves gathering around this dish after a busy day; it’s simple yet delicious and always a hit!

Required Tools

Large skillet, spatula or tongs, knife and cutting board, measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). Check labels for cross-contamination if using pre-packaged ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 275, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 26 g

Vibrant One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus highlights juicy shrimp and tender veggies. Save
Vibrant One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus highlights juicy shrimp and tender veggies. | olivedune.com

This dish is both quick and impressive, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Cooking Questions & Answers

How do you prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side.

What can I substitute for asparagus?

Green beans or snap peas work well as alternative vegetables with similar texture and cooking time.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What sides complement shrimp and asparagus?

Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to create a more filling plate.

How can I enhance the flavor further?

A splash of white wine before adding asparagus back to the pan adds extra depth to the sauce.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Asparagus

Sautéed shrimp and asparagus in garlic butter create a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy nights.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Duration
20 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Wheat-Free, Low-Carb Option

What You Need

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

01 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
03 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Sauce & Seasonings

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Prepare shrimp seasoning: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 02

Cook asparagus: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt. Sauté until tender-crisp and bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté garlic and spices: Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring as needed.

Step 05

Combine and finish: Return asparagus to the skillet, add chopped parsley, and toss to heat through for 1 minute. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 06

Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra parsley garnish.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 275
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 26 g