One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon-Garlic Butter

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

Quick-seared shrimp and crisp-tender asparagus tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, ready in 25 minutes. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet. Add asparagus and cook 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return shrimp to skillet. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir until butter melts and sauce coats ingredients. Cook 1 minute more, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon-Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter?

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 Shrimp and Asparagus with Lemon-Garlic Butter?

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 Lemon-Garlic Butter 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter?

American quick meals 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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