One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest
Quick-cooked shrimp in a lemony garlic butter sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality weeknight dinner. This general-inspired one pot ready in about 22 minutes pairs shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2 tbsp butter and swirl to coat.
- Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet, then mince garlic and sauté for 45 seconds until golden and fragrant (do not brown). Pour in white wine and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits.
- Step 4: Stir in red pepper flakes and remaining 1/4 tsp salt, then return shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Stir in chopped parsley, then serve immediately over cooked pasta or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
General one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the simplicity and the flavors. The lemon zest really made it shine.
- ★★★★★
My new favorite weeknight dinner. Ready in 20 minutes and tastes like a restaurant.
- ★★★★★
The best one-pan shrimp recipe I've tried. Simple, elegant, and packed with flavor.
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