One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooking shrimp and asparagus sear in a single skillet with garlic and lemon for a vibrant, restaurant-style dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, bunch (12 oz), trimmed asparagus, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then add to skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  2. Step 2: Remove shrimp and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add asparagus to skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp. Return shrimp to skillet, add lemon juice, and toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute more to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic 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 Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic?

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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic?

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 Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic 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 Shrimp and Asparagus with Garlic?

Mediterranean seafood 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.

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