There's something irresistible about the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp sizzling in a pan. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and when paired with vibrant, tender-crisp vegetables, this dish becomes a light yet satisfying meal.
I first made this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables on a whim, trying to use up some shrimp I had in the freezer. It turned out so flavorful and easy that it quickly became one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and just one pan, this dish delivers big on flavor without the hassle.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's as effortless as it is delicious.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table—perfect for those evenings when you need something fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Second, it’s packed with bold flavors. The rich butter, fragrant garlic, and succulent shrimp come together in the most delightful way, coating every bite in a luscious, savory sauce.
Third, it’s healthy and well-balanced. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, and when combined with colorful vegetables, you get a nutrient-packed meal that feels indulgent but is actually good for you.
Lastly, it’s highly customizable. Whether you prefer a spicier kick, different vegetables, or an extra buttery sauce, this dish can be easily adjusted to fit your tastes.
Ingredients Notes

This dish shines with just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.
Shrimp is the star of the show. Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp offer the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Butter and garlic form the base of the sauce. The butter adds richness, while garlic infuses deep, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced garlic can save time if needed.
Vegetables bring color, texture, and nutrients. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, but feel free to swap in your favorites like broccoli, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes.
Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the butteriness of the sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving enhances all the flavors.
A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
If you have a large skillet or wok, it’s ideal for cooking everything evenly without overcrowding.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables

Making this dish is a breeze, and everything comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt half of the butter. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a little more butter and toss in the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. You want them vibrant, not mushy.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix it into the vegetables.
Return the shrimp to the pan and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Toss everything together, making sure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated in the garlicky butter sauce.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and glistening with flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a small dab of butter to refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
If you want to make this ahead of time, prep the vegetables and shrimp in advance so you can quickly toss everything together when ready to cook.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility.
If you love a spicy kick, try adding a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra punch of heat.
Want a creamier version? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer sauce.
Looking for a low-carb meal? This dish is naturally low in carbs, but you can swap out certain veggies like carrots for even lower-carb options like mushrooms or spinach.
For a heartier dish, serve this over rice, pasta, or quinoa to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Don’t have fresh shrimp? Chicken or scallops make a great substitute and cook in about the same amount of time.
No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This garlic butter shrimp and vegetables recipe is a delicious, quick, and healthy dish featuring juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this meal is packed with flavor and nutrients while being low in carbs. Serve it on its own or with rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Return shrimp to the pan, stir in lemon juice, and cook for another minute.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any vegetables of your choice, like asparagus or mushrooms.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
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