Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1.5 lbs Asparagus, rinsed and trimmed; 3 tablespoons Butter; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 5 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons Onion powder; to taste Salt and fresh cracked pepper; 0.25 cup Vegetable stock; 1 tablespoon Sriracha or any hot sauce; to taste Crushed chili pepper flakes, optional; 1/2 lemon Juice of lemon; to garnish Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that combines succulent seafood, vibrant veggies, and an irresistible buttery garlic sauce, you’re in the right place! Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is the flavorful, fuss-free dinner your taste buds crave. It’s a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser—quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Fun fact: Did you know that the pairing of shrimp and asparagus dates back to classic French cuisine? The two ingredients have long been cherished for their complementary tastes and appealing presentation. This recipe shines because it’s super simple, ready in under 30 minutes, and loved by both kids and adults with its tender shrimp and crisp asparagus drenched in a zingy garlic butter sauce. If you’ve already fallen head over heels for my Creamy Tuscan Chicken, you’ll adore the bright, punchy flavors here. So, let’s get cooking—your new favorite family dinner awaits!

What is Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus?

Sure, the name might sound like a delicious mouthful, and for good reason! Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is exactly what it says—plump, juicy shrimp and fresh asparagus tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Why complicate things when the stars of the show are right in the name? Some say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I’m convinced this dish will win over just about anyone. I often joke with dinner guests that it should really be called “Gone in Sixty Seconds” because it disappears so fast! Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let’s whip up your new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

First, let’s talk flavor: each bite is a dreamy mix of sweet shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a decadent garlic butter sauce that brings everything together. Making it at home isn’t just convenient—it’s a budget-friendly alternative to ordering seafood from your local restaurant, often at half the cost! Plus, the burst of heat from Sriracha and a dash of chili flakes add a special punch, while finishing with lemon juice and fresh herbs takes everything up a notch. If you enjoy easy, vibrant recipes like my Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon, you’ll appreciate just how customizable and stunning this meal is. All that’s left is for you to give it a try—trust me, your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Quick Overview

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: minimal chopping, straightforward steps, and just one pan to wash! Shrimp and asparagus cook incredibly fast, so you’ll have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes from start to finish. The irresistibly rich garlic butter sauce infuses every bite, while a splash of hot sauce and lemon gives it an addictive zing. Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal or want to impress your friends, this dish delivers big flavors with little fuss.

Skillet of garlic butter shrimp with asparagus, garnished with lemon and parsley

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs (700g) medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 1/2 lbs (700g) asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons onion powder
Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable stock
1 tablespoon Sriracha or any hot sauce
Crushed chili pepper flakes, optional
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse and trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Cut spears into bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches long.
Cook the Asparagus: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until just tender yet still crisp. Remove asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear shrimp on one side for about 2 minutes until pink, then flip.
Add the Garlic and Sauce: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring to prevent burning. Pour in the vegetable stock and hot sauce. Sprinkle optional chili flakes for extra heat. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and shrimp are cooked through.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet. Add lemon juice and toss everything together to coat well in the garlic butter sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

What to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus With

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a few simple sides. Serve it over steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the garlicky sauce, or pair with quinoa for a healthy twist. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping, and a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling lemonade makes a refreshing complement.

Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Shrimp Selection: Opt for fresh, tails-on shrimp for the juiciest texture and sweetest flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Cooking Asparagus: Don’t overcook! Asparagus should stay bright green and crisp-tender.
Sauce Adjustments: No vegetable stock? Sub with chicken stock or even a splash of white wine for added depth.
Spice Level: Adjust the Sriracha and chili flakes to suit your preference—or leave them out for a mild version.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the shrimp in a single layer for even searing. Crowding can cause steaming instead of sautéing.
Finish with Freshness: Always add lemon juice at the end to preserve its tangy brightness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until just heated through; avoid microwaving, which can make the shrimp rubbery. If you’d like to freeze the cooked shrimp and asparagus, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and remember the texture of asparagus may become slightly softer after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil. The flavor will still be delicious.

What if I don’t like asparagus?
You can replace asparagus with green beans, snap peas, or broccoli for a similar texture and taste.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Definitely. Sliced chicken breast works well—adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How spicy is this recipe?
With Sriracha and chili flakes, it’s mildly spicy. Adjust or omit the hot sauce to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and family appeal—no wonder it’s one of my top weeknight go-tos! With simple ingredients and a fast, foolproof cooking process, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned seafood lover, this recipe will earn a spot in your regular rotation. Don’t forget to explore more quick and tasty dishes on the blog, and share your creations with me—I love seeing your kitchen triumphs!