Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; salt, divided; 1 pinch ground black pepper, divided; 1.5 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 tablespoons butter, cubed; 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, divided
1 pinch ground black pepper, divided
1 lbs uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Line a rimmed 9x12-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Place the asparagus in the prepared baking pan and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly, then arrange the asparagus in a single layer.

Step 3: Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 6 minutes, or until slightly tender.

Step 4: After 6 minutes, remove the asparagus from the oven and add the shrimp to one side of the pan. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of pepper, and the paprika. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly, and arrange them in a single layer next to the asparagus.

Step 5: Place cubes of butter on top of both the asparagus and shrimp. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 6 minutes, or until the shrimp is opaque and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Once the shrimp is done, remove the pan from the oven and drizzle everything with fresh lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	300
Total Fat	17g	22%
Saturated Fat	7g	34%
Cholesterol	282mg	94%
Sodium	1525mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate	7g	3%
Dietary Fiber	3g	10%
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	31g	61%
Vitamin C	16mg	18%
Calcium	91mg	7%
Iron	7mg	38%
Potassium	516mg	11%

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Note: The nutrition information is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus is a delicious and simple one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of shrimp and asparagus, seasoned with garlic, butter, and lemon. This dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a flavorful dinner when you're short on time. The dish is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, with the shrimp absorbing the buttery, garlicky, and citrusy flavors while the asparagus retains its crisp texture.

History of the Dish

The concept of cooking seafood with simple seasonings like garlic, butter, and lemon can be traced back to various coastal cuisines, especially in Mediterranean regions where seafood is abundant. Shrimp dishes, often cooked with citrus and garlic, are a staple in Southern European cooking, notably in Spain and Italy. Over time, the idea of a simple, yet flavorful, one-pan meal gained popularity in the U.S., where it became a go-to for easy home cooking. This Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus recipe epitomizes the modern trend of quick, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup, a characteristic of many American home-cooked dinners today.

Regional Variations

While the dish itself doesnt belong to any particular region, variations of shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, and lemon are commonly found in coastal regions around the world. In the southern U.S., shrimp dishes are often paired with bold seasonings like Old Bay or Cajun spices, adding a layer of heat. In contrast, Mediterranean versions may include additional herbs such as rosemary or thyme, offering a more aromatic flavor profile. The use of asparagus also varies depending on local produce; in some regions, it may be swapped out for other vegetables like green beans or zucchini, which also pair wonderfully with shrimp.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus apart from similar shrimp and vegetable recipes is its simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike more intricate seafood recipes, this dish requires minimal prep and can be cooked entirely on a single sheet pan, saving time on both cooking and cleanup. Additionally, the combination of fresh asparagus with shrimp creates a balanced meal with a mix of proteins, vitamins, and fiber. Some similar dishes might require multiple pans or ingredients, but this one-pan meal focuses on flavor and convenience without compromising on taste.

Where It's Typically Served

This dish is a versatile choice, perfect for casual family dinners, weeknight meals, or even special occasions. Its simple, fresh ingredients make it suitable for a variety of occasions, from a quick dinner after a long day to a light meal served alongside a glass of white wine for a more refined evening. It's particularly popular in American households, but variations of shrimp with vegetables are also served in many Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, often accompanied by rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Interesting Facts

The shrimp used in this dish can be easily swapped with other shellfish such as scallops or prawns, offering flexibility depending on whats available or personal preference.
Asparagus is not only delicious but packed with health benefits. Its high in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and is also a good source of fiber and folate, making it a nutritious complement to the shrimp.
While the recipe calls for medium-sized shrimp, you can easily adjust the recipe for larger or smaller shrimp, though cooking times may need to be adjusted accordingly.
The technique of roasting shrimp with vegetables on a sheet pan has become popular in recent years as part of the "sheet pan dinner" trend, which emphasizes ease and minimal cleanup.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish thats perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With its combination of savory shrimp, fresh asparagus, and zesty lemon, its sure to satisfy your taste buds without requiring much time in the kitchen. Whether youre a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore new recipes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus Recipe

Store leftover shrimp and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to consume it within this time frame for the best flavor and texture.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before using them in the recipe. If using frozen asparagus, ensure it is also thawed and excess water is drained off.

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. You can trim the asparagus, season the shrimp, and store them separately in the fridge until ready to cook. However, the dish is best when served immediately after cooking.

Yes, you can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose.

Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. If the shrimp is still translucent, it needs more time to cook. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough and rubbery.

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or melted butter for different flavor profiles. However, olive oil adds a unique richness to the dish.

It's not recommended to freeze this dish, as both shrimp and asparagus may lose their texture when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, ensure it is in an airtight container and used within 1-2 months. To reheat, it is best to gently thaw and warm it in a skillet.

This sheet pan shrimp and asparagus goes well with a variety of sides, such as rice (Jasmine or Basmati), quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with pasta for a more substantial meal.

Yes, you can add extra heat to the recipe by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the seasoning. Adjust according to your spice preference.

If you don't have paprika, you can substitute it with smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a small amount of cayenne pepper, depending on your flavor preferences.

Comments

bbatie

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Super easy to prepare and because it uses staples from my cupboard didn't require an extra grocery trip for seasonings in our COVID-19 world. I cut all ingredients in half since I was only making this for two. Delish with asparagus fresh from our garden!

Karen

03/17/2023 03:27:45 PM

This is so easy and very tasty as written. The second time I made it, I marinated the shrimp in the oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika and added red pepper flakes. The extra heat, for my tastes, was a great addition. Also, regarding the asparagus, adjust the time depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks. From another site: Thin 8-10 minutes Medium 10-14 minutes

LoriJ

04/01/2023 05:19:10 PM

Simple and delicious. My favorite kind of dinner! I used smoked paprika because it says to in the instructions (but not in the ingredients list) and I like that flavor. I marinaded the shrimp in the garlic/lemon/oil and smoked paprika mixture and dumped it all on the sheet pan when it was time to cook it. The juice from the shrimp was delicious - we scooped it onto our plates and sopped it up with homemade garlic bread.

Happy Carnivore

06/17/2021 04:31:34 PM

Excellent! I made this dish for lunch today, and my husband and I loved it. It was incredibly fast and easy. I cooked the asparagus an extra minute because it was huge, and I did back off a little on the paprika based on our personal tastes. I also added some lemon zest since I was using a fresh lemon anyway. I was a little concerned at the amount of garlic, but it wasn’t overpowering in the least. It probably took longer to take the tails off the shrimp than the rest of the prep. We spooned some of the juices in the pan over our servings, and that was lemony delicious. The next time I make it I plan to toss the juices with some angel hair pasta. They’re too good to waste!

Kim's Cooking Now

12/05/2021 12:08:42 AM

Quick and easy. My asparagus were pretty thin, so I put the asparagus and the shrimp in the oven at the same time, and baked for 6 minutes, then added the butter (I used a garlic herb butter that I had left from Thanksgiving) and baked for another 2 minutes. We enjoyed this, and I wouldn't hesitate to make this again.

BrightMalt1265

04/19/2023 10:40:09 PM

This was fantastic! I tossed the shrimp in white wine instead of olive oil, and added some sliced mushrooms to the asparagus. Quick, easy and delicious! I’ll be making this again!

JoyfulUdon1331

08/29/2024 05:29:38 PM

12 minutes cooking time is WAAY too long for shrimp, unless you like it rubbery! I reduced cooking time to 6 minutes altogether and just sauteed green beans on top of stove.

billgr0248

05/25/2020 03:00:55 AM

I had 1 large bundle of asparagus which pretty much covered. my sheet pan (single layer) & a 2. lb bag of. large shrimp. I needed a larger pan in retrospect so things were not a single layer with the shrimp. Cooked for 7-8 minutes to get. shrimp done & the asparagus was very well done. Taste was just so-so until we added some parmesan cheese which really made the shrimp pop. Will make again.

Jan Mowbray

08/30/2024 01:06:51 AM

Needs more flavor. If I make it again, ncrieasing the paprika slightly, adding a little white wine, and decreasing the lemon juice slightly would be preferable for our taste.

Mc-chef

11/29/2023 03:28:11 AM

made it 'exactly' as written - only slight change .... I did not the bake asparagus for 6 mins prior to the shrimp, just baked them both together for about 9 mins came out perfect. Hubby and I loved it!!

Mary Worthington

08/12/2021 10:18:07 PM

It was really easy, and fairly tasty. I used less olive oil and salt and initially roasted the asparagus only 4 minutes because it was the very skinny kind. I also substituted Cajun seasoning blend for the paprika since I was out and the comments said the dish was rather bland. I would make it again but use less oil and butter and amp up the seasoning.

Lynne

08/12/2025 04:01:32 PM

This was one of those recipes where I thought "oh, this will be a decent weeknight dinner but not amazing" but I loved it! Everything was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was just right. I'll hang onto this recipe.

ProStraw9274

05/21/2025 11:39:10 PM

Absolutely delicious! Especially using wild caught Australian Red Shrimp

Kenneth Perez

03/28/2025 03:25:47 PM

My roommates were shook — even they liked it.

RedGrape7498

01/11/2025 03:38:44 PM

So in the ingredients it says "paprika." In the instructions it says "smoked paprika." Which is it?

Charlene Ford

09/23/2024 07:22:42 PM

This was delicious! I made Jasmine rice as a side dish and it soaked the goodness up! It was quick and easy to make.

Killer-Bill

09/06/2024 12:32:05 AM

the shrimp came out perfectly, although they did need some additional time in the oven. However, don't even think about putting the asparagus in w/ the shrimp as they will never get done! 12 min at 400 isn't nearly enough time for any but the most tender stalks. great idea for a one pan meal (unless you're doing noodle to go w/ the shrimp), but it just doesn't work. Great flavor though so just 4 stars.

Jeannette Evangelista

09/05/2024 09:12:32 PM

It called for a teaspoon of paprika for 1 1/2 lbs of shrimp. I would use less paprika. I only had a pound of shrimp. Recipe called for a pinch of black pepper divided. In directions it says 1/2 teaspoon for asparagus and 1/2 teaspoon for shrimp. That’s not a pinch. When a recipe is submitted the cook should reread entire recipe so everything agrees. This could be confusing to us amateurs.

BRICKS2721

09/02/2024 10:36:49 PM

It was meh... I don't think I'd make it again but thank you very much for the recipe. My daughter and I enjoyed the meal very much!!

Angela Allen

08/31/2024 12:22:21 PM

Everything about this was wonderful.

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