One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

The sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot pan is the sound of dinner coming together in under twenty minutes. This one pan garlic butter shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a fraction of the effort and cleanup. I can’t tell you how many times this exact dish has saved my weeknight sanity. You know those evenings when everyone is hungry, the clock is ticking, and the thought of a sink full of dishes makes you want to order takeout? This is the antidote.

This one pan garlic butter shrimp is my go-to for a reason. It’s the perfect intersection of impressive flavor and utter simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand, you can create a meal that feels special, tastes luxurious, and leaves you with only one pan to wash. It’s comfort food, made easy, and it’s about to become your new 15-minute weeknight hero. Simple ingredients, warm memories, all from a single skillet.

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Ingredients List for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

This one pan garlic butter shrimp recipe is built on a foundation of simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create something truly magical. The beauty is in the balance—rich butter, pungent garlic, bright lemon, and fresh herbs. Here is everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Shrimp: I prefer large (21/25 count) for a meatier bite, but any size works. For a different seafood twist, try my Lemon Herb Salmon.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter works beautifully.
• Wine: The wine adds a wonderful depth. If you prefer not to cook with it, substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or basil are lovely alternatives.

Timing for Your One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

One of the biggest wins with this dish is how quickly it comes together, making it a top contender for your list of quick dinner ideas.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

That’s it! From fridge to table in a quarter of an hour. It’s genuinely faster than waiting for delivery, and you control every flavorful ingredient that goes into your meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp every single time. The process is straightforward, but a few key tips make all the difference.

1. Prep the Shrimp. Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for getting a good sear instead of steaming them. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Melt the Butter. In a large skillet (I use a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel), melt the butter over medium-high heat until it’s foaming slightly.
3. Sear the Shrimp. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Don’t crowd them! Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. They cook fast, so stay close. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside. They will finish cooking in the sauce later.
4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic burn.
5. Deglaze the Pan. Pour in the white wine or broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. This is pure flavor! Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish the Sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in that glorious garlic butter sauce and heat through for another minute.
7. Garnish and Serve. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, and give it one final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed.

Nutritional Information for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish is not only quick but also packs a nutritious punch, fitting perfectly into your roster of healthy dinner ideas. Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 12g

Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein and selenium. Using real butter provides satiating fats, and garlic offers allicin, a compound with noted health benefits. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that fuels you without weighing you down.

Equipment Needed for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

The “one pan” promise is real! You truly only need a few basic tools:

• One Large Skillet: A 10 to 12-inch skillet is ideal. Cast iron, stainless steel, or a non-stick pan all work well.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: For easily flipping and removing the shrimp.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: For accuracy with the lemon juice and seasonings.
• Juicer (optional): For getting every last drop of juice from your lemon.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

This recipe earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s a Harmony Meal favorite:

1. Unbeatable Speed. 15 minutes total. It solves the “what’s for dinner?” crisis faster than you can preheat the oven.
2. Minimal Cleanup. One pan, a few utensils. That’s the dream for busy weeknights.
3. Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home. The combination of browned butter, garlic, and wine creates a sauce that tastes decadent and complex.
4. Endlessly Adaptable. Serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with a crusty baguette. It’s the ultimate versatile base.
5. Feels Special, Without the Fuss. It’s the kind of meal you could serve to guests but is simple enough for a quiet Tuesday. Food that feels like home.

Healthier Alternatives for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, but you can easily tweak it to fit other dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• Dairy-Free/Lighter: Swap the butter for extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. The flavor profile will shift to a more Mediterranean style, but it will still be delicious.
• Higher Protein: The shrimp are already protein-packed! For an even heartier meal, add a can of rinsed white beans to the sauce when you return the shrimp.
• Lower Sodium: Use unsalted butter and opt for low-sodium broth instead of wine. Be mindful of pre-seasoned shrimp.
• Extra Veggies: Sauté a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes with the garlic, or serve the finished one pan garlic butter shrimp over a bed of cauliflower rice for a veggie boost.

Serving Suggestions for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

The beauty of this dish is how it plays well with others. Here are my favorite ways to turn it into a complete, cozy meal:

• Over Grains: Fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous are perfect for soaking up every drop of that garlic butter sauce.
• With Pasta: Toss it with linguine or angel hair pasta for a quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta situation. It’s a family favorite.
• Low-Carb Options: Serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or with a simple side salad.
• For Dipping: A warm, crusty baguette is non-negotiable in my house. It’s the best tool for sauce cleanup!
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp in a bowl with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing starter, similar in spirit to my elegant Mini Crab Cake Bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

A few small missteps can change the outcome. Avoid these to ensure shrimp perfection:

1. Not Drying the Shrimp. Wet shrimp will steam and boil instead of sear, leading to a rubbery texture. Always pat them dry.
2. Overcrowding the Pan. If the shrimp are piled on top of each other, they’ll release too much moisture and steam. Cook in batches if your pan is small.
3. Overcooking the Shrimp. Shrimp cook in just 2-4 minutes total. They go from perfect to tough and rubbery in seconds. As soon as they turn pink and form a “C” shape, they’re done.
4. Burning the Garlic. Garlic burns easily and turns bitter. Once you add it to the pan, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Skipping the Deglazing. Those browned bits in the pan are packed with flavor. Deglazing with wine or broth incorporates them into the sauce, creating a deeper, richer taste.

Storing Tips for One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

While best served immediately, leftovers are still delicious.

• Refrigerating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp, as the texture can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze uncooked, peeled shrimp to have on hand for this recipe anytime.
• Meal Prep: You can mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time. When ready to cook, everything comes together in a flash. For another fantastic make-ahead seafood option, check out my Honey Mustard Salmon.

Conclusion

This one pan garlic butter shrimp recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a reliable kitchen friend. It’s the promise of a flavorful, satisfying meal that respects your time and your taste buds. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Whether you’re cooking for one after a long day or need an impressive yet effortless dish for company, this recipe delivers.

I hope it brings as much ease and joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try this week and let me know how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. And if you love the garlic-butter-shrimp combo, you must try my Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers for your next summer grill night. Happy cooking.

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