Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet

Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet

Julia

This Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that proves healthy eating doesn't have to be time-consuming. Succulent shrimp and vibrant asparagus spears come together in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that's naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and nutrients. The dish celebrates the classic pairing of seafood and spring vegetables, with each ingredient maintaining its distinct texture and flavor while harmonizing beautifully in the pan.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and speed. In just 10 minutes from start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal that looks as impressive as it tastes. The asparagus retains its signature snap while absorbing the aromatic garlic butter, and the shrimp cook to perfect tenderness with slightly caramelized edges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty finish.

This one-pan wonder is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, toss it with gluten-free pasta, or enjoy it on its own for a light yet satisfying meal. The minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this dish a regular rotation favorite for busy families and meal preppers alike. Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by choice or necessity, this recipe delivers on taste without compromise.

Nutrition

13 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 16.00g
Carbs 8.00g
Protein 28.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbslarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lbasparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 tbspunsalted butter
2 tbspolive oil
6 clovesgarlic, minced
1 mediumlemon, juiced
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)
lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
measuring spoons
paper towels
chef's knife
garlic press
serving plates
spatula or tongs
large skillet (12-inch)

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables that promote satiety and sustained energy. The balanced macronutrients help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe is 100% nutrient-dense whole foods—shrimp, asparagus, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs—with no processed ingredients. It exemplifies the 80% principle by providing high-quality protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in their most natural form.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including omega-3-containing shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The absence of processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory oils, combined with nutrient-dense asparagus, makes it ideal for reducing inflammation.

Atkins Diet

This Atkins-friendly recipe contains minimal net carbs from asparagus while emphasizing high-quality protein (shrimp) and healthy fats (butter and olive oil). It completely avoids all grains, sugar, and starchy vegetables, making it suitable for all Atkins phases.

Clean Eating

This clean eating recipe uses only whole, unprocessed ingredients in their natural state: fresh shrimp, asparagus, real butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs. There are no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients—just simple, recognizable foods.

Diabetic Diet

This diabetic-friendly recipe features low-glycemic asparagus, high-quality protein from shrimp, and healthy fats that won't spike blood sugar. With no added sugars or refined carbohydrates, it supports stable glucose levels while providing complete nutrition.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing only shrimp, asparagus, butter, olive oil, and fresh seasonings—no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients. It's a safe and delicious option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy recipe emphasizes lean protein from shrimp, vegetables, and heart-protective olive oil while using moderate amounts of butter. The garlic, herbs, and omega-3s from seafood support cardiovascular health without excessive saturated fat or sodium.

High-Protein Diet

With 1.5 lbs of shrimp providing approximately 35-40g of lean protein per serving, this recipe is excellent for high-protein diets. The protein-rich seafood is complemented by nutrient-dense vegetables and healthy fats for a balanced, muscle-supporting meal.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This macro-friendly recipe provides approximately 35-40g protein from shrimp, minimal carbohydrates from asparagus, and 12-15g healthy fats from butter and olive oil per serving. The clear ingredient measurements make it easy to track and fit into personalized macro targets.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense meal is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing high-quality protein from shrimp, essential nutrients from asparagus, and satisfying healthy fats that promote satiety throughout fasting periods. The whole-food ingredients support stable blood sugar levels.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying recipe honors both nutrition and pleasure with flavorful garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp asparagus. It demonstrates that nourishing foods can be delicious and satisfying without restriction or guilt.

Ketogenic Diet

This keto-friendly dish is naturally very low in carbohydrates (asparagus provides minimal net carbs) while being high in healthy fats from butter and olive oil, with quality protein from shrimp. The recipe contains no grains, sugar, or starchy vegetables, making it ideal for maintaining ketosis.

Low-Carb Diet

With asparagus as the only carbohydrate source (providing approximately 5-7g net carbs per serving), this recipe easily fits low-carb requirements. The focus on protein-rich shrimp and healthy fats from butter and olive oil makes it perfectly suited for low-carb eating.

Macro Diet

With high protein from shrimp (35-40g), low carbs from asparagus (5-7g), and moderate healthy fats (12-15g), this recipe offers a balanced macro profile that's easy to track. The portion-controlled ingredients allow for precise macro counting.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe exemplifies Mediterranean eating with its emphasis on seafood (shrimp), extra virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables (asparagus), garlic, lemon, and herbs. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables aligns perfectly with Mediterranean principles while avoiding processed ingredients and red meat.

Mindful Eating

This recipe encourages mindful eating through its variety of textures (tender shrimp, crisp asparagus), aromatic garlic butter sauce, and vibrant colors. The simple preparation allows you to fully appreciate each ingredient's natural flavors and sensory qualities.

Paleo Diet

Perfectly Paleo-compliant with wild-caught seafood, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from butter and olive oil. This recipe contains no grains, legumes, dairy alternatives, or processed ingredients—just whole foods that would be available to hunter-gatherers.

Pegan Diet

This recipe aligns with Pegan principles by featuring vegetables (asparagus) and high-quality protein (shrimp) with healthy fats from olive oil. It's naturally free of dairy, gluten, and processed ingredients, though butter could be substituted with ghee for strict compliance.

Primal Blueprint

Perfectly aligned with Primal Blueprint principles, this recipe features high-quality protein from shrimp, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from butter and olive oil. It avoids all grains, legumes, and processed ingredients while emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods.

Primal Diet

This Primal-approved recipe features wild-caught seafood, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from butter and olive oil. It contains no grains, legumes, refined sugars, or processed ingredients—just whole foods that support optimal health.

South Beach Diet

Perfect for South Beach Diet (all phases), this recipe features lean protein from shrimp, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and butter. It contains no refined carbohydrates, added sugars, or processed ingredients.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with WW principles by featuring lean protein from shrimp, non-starchy vegetables, and controlled portions of healthy fats. The simple preparation with whole ingredients and no processed foods makes it a smart, satisfying choice for weight management.

Instructions

1

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside on a plate.

2 min
2
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3
4 min

Add the asparagus pieces to the hot skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4
1 min

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer.

5
3 min

Cook the shrimp undisturbed for 2 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and slightly golden, then flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and opaque.

6
1 min

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

7

Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet and toss everything together with the garlic butter. Add the lemon juice, remaining salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.

1 min
8

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions