Garlic Butter Shrimp Asparagus

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This dish brings together succulent shrimp and tender asparagus sautéed in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce. The shrimp are cooked just until pink and opaque, while the asparagus remains bright green and slightly crisp, creating a perfect balance of textures. Finished with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, this quick one-pan meal is both elegant and healthy, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a light main dish. Variations include swapping butter for olive oil for dairy-free options or adding cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:08:00 GMT
Succulent One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.  Pin It
Succulent One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. | juniperbite.com

Succulent shrimp and tender asparagus are sautéed together in a fragrant garlic butter sauce making this a quick elegant and healthy weeknight dinner.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how flavorful and effortless it was to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Vegetables: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fats: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fats: 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Garnish & Finish: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Garnish & Finish: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add asparagus and sauté for 3 4 minutes until bright green and just tender Remove asparagus from skillet and set aside.
Step 4:
Add remaining butter to the skillet Add garlic and red pepper flakes sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5:
Add shrimp in a single layer Cook for 2 minutes on one side then flip and cook for another 1 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6:
Return asparagus to the skillet Pour in lemon juice and toss everything together for 1 minute to heat through.
Step 7:
Remove from heat sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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This dish has become a family favorite with everyone loving its simple fresh flavors.

Preparation Tips

Make sure to pat the shrimp dry to get a better sear and avoid sogginess in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice crusty bread or over cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

Quick and easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus on a dinner plate, glistening with sauce.  Pin It
Quick and easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus on a dinner plate, glistening with sauce. | juniperbite.com

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.

Questions About This Recipe

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp briefly until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1-2 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture.

What is the best way to cook asparagus for this dish?

Sauté asparagus until bright green and just tender, about 3-4 minutes, to retain crispness and flavor.

How can I make the dish dairy-free?

Replace butter with extra olive oil while sautéing to maintain richness without dairy.

What sides pair well with this shrimp and asparagus dish?

Serve with rice, crusty bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option to complement the flavors.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of Parmesan can enhance flavor and add variety.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Asparagus

Succulent shrimp and asparagus cooked in fragrant garlic butter for an easy, elegant dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Juniper Bite Chloe Fischer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Info Wheat-Free, Low Carb

What You’ll Need

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

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

Aromatics & Seasonings

01 4 cloves garlic, minced
02 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fats

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish & Finish

01 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Season Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Sauté Asparagus: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 03

Cook Garlic and Spices: Add remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook Shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until pink and opaque.

Step 05

Combine and Finish: Return asparagus to skillet, pour in lemon juice, and toss for 1 minute to heat through.

Step 06

Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen Details

Always check what goes in for allergens, and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. For dairy allergies, substitute butter with olive oil. Always check labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Information (each serving)

This info’s just a guide, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 245
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 24 g