One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

This dish brings together juicy shrimp sautéed in a skillet with a generous amount of butter and freshly minced garlic, delivering bold flavors in every bite. A hint of red pepper gives a subtle kick, while a squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish. Finished with chopped parsley for freshness, this preparation ensures a simple, fuss-free cleanup—ideal for busy nights. Enjoy it alone or pair it with warm bread, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal that comes together in just minutes, using everyday ingredients with a touch of elegance.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:03:46 GMT
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! Pin it
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! | magichouserecipes.com

One-pan garlic butter shrimp is my favorite answer to those weeknights when I crave restaurant flavor but have zero energy for dishes or fuss. A skillet a handful of ingredients and dinner is on the table in under fifteen minutes with juicy shrimp swimming in a buttery garlicky sauce that practically demands crusty bread

The first time I whipped this up it was a hungry afterwork scramble Now I keep shrimp in my freezer just so I can make this dish anytime the craving hits

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: make sure they are peeled and deveined larger shrimp tend to cook up juicier and more tender
  • Unsalted butter: delivers the richness use good quality butter for the best flavor
  • Garlic: gives the sauce its signature punch use fresh cloves and mince finely for even flavor
  • Red pepper flakes: bring a gentle heat you can dial this up or leave it out based on your taste
  • Lemon: brightens everything up squeeze from a fresh lemon for the freshest zing
  • Fresh parsley: adds a green pop and herby freshness chop just before adding
  • Olive oil: is optional but helps keep the butter from burning especially if you like a bit of a sear
  • Salt and black pepper: are essential for seasoning go with flaky salt if you have it for finish

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels so you get the best pan sear possible. Season lightly all over with salt and black pepper for even flavor
Sauté Garlic:
Warm your largest skillet over medium high heat. Add the butter and if you like also a bit of olive oil to prevent scorching The moment the butter melts and is bubbling stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let this cook for only about thirty seconds or just until you catch the rich fragrance Be careful not to let the garlic become brown as this can turn it bitter
Cook the Shrimp:
Scatter the shrimp in one even layer so they all touch the pan If your pan is crowded do this in batches. Cook on the first side until pink and beginning to curl then flip each one over with tongs and let the second side cook. The entire process is quick about one and a half to two minutes per side Do not overcook or they will toughen
Finish with Lemon and Herbs:
As soon as the shrimp look opaque and pink squeeze over the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle chopped parsley all over Toss very gently so all shrimp get a good coat of the buttery garlicky sauce Taste and see if you want an extra pinch of salt or another squeeze of lemon
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! Pin it
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! | magichouserecipes.com

Lemon is my favorite ingredient here Little bursts of lemon wake up the richness of the butter and garlic making everything taste even more fresh I will never forget the first time my brother mopped up the sauce with bread and asked for the recipe that same night

Storage Tips

Leftover shrimp keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of extra butter or lemon water to keep them tender

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh parsley You can use chives or dill. If you run out of butter replace half with olive oil for a lighter version For heat swap in smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the shrimp and all their buttery sauce over angel hair pasta or rice Mop up the flavor with a warm baguette or add to corn tortillas for a quick shrimp taco Toss with baby spinach for a protein packed salad

One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! Pin it
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp — perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty with minimal cleanup! | magichouserecipes.com

Cultural Context

Shrimp cooked simply in butter and garlic is loved around the world from Spanish gambas al ajillo to Italian scampi Style meets comfort and helps you master essential sauté skills

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just thaw shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even browning.

→ What sides go well with this meal?

Serve with crusty bread, steamed rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Watch them closely and cook only until pink and opaque, about 1.5–2 minutes per side.

→ Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes, toss in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the final minute of cooking.

One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp

Succulent shrimp in buttery garlic sauce with fresh parsley and lemon for effortless weeknight meals.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
02 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste
06 Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus wedges for serving)
07 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
08 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing with butter)

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil if using. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not brown.

Step 03

Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 1.5–2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 04

Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss lightly to coat evenly.

Notes

  1. For best results, use fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish
  • Dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 13.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2.3 g
  • Protein: 23.1 g