Garlic Shrimp With Broccoli

Garlic Shrimp With Broccoli delivers a healthy low carb dinner in just 15 minutes. This keto-friendly recipe bursts with flavor and protein.

Hey, I’m Linda! Welcome to Tasty at Home, where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Let me tell you about the night I completely reinvented weeknight dinners. My sister called at 6 PM, frantic about needing a last-minute keto meal that didn’t taste like cardboard. I opened my fridge and spotted broccoli wilting and shrimp defrosting.

Twenty minutes later, she was taking photos for Instagram. This garlic shrimp and broccoli recipe became my secret weapon for busy evenings when ordering takeout feels easier than cooking.

The magic happens when cream cheese melts into the pan juices, creating a silky sauce that clings to every shrimp. Fresh basil adds brightness, and Parmesan brings that umami punch we all crave. I’ve made this recipe at least fifty times, tweaking ratios and testing techniques until it became foolproof.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

What Makes This Garlic Shrimp Recipe Outstanding

This cheap high protein low carb meal transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality dinner without the restaurant price tag. You’ll get 35 grams of protein per serving while staying under 8 net carbs.

The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan creates a luscious coating that rivals any heavy cream sauce. Thomas Keller taught us that proper seasoning happens in layers, and this recipe proves that principle beautifully. Each ingredient enters the pan at precisely the right moment.

Ingredient Quality Tips

Select firm, pink shrimp with no ammonia smell for the freshest results. Fresh broccoli should have tight florets and crisp stems. High-quality Parmesan makes a tremendous difference—skip the pre-grated stuff and grate a wedge yourself for superior flavor and melt.

Complete Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient	US Measure	Metric	Notes
Broccoli florets	1 cup	90g	Fresh, firm florets
Shrimp, peeled & deveined	1 cup	150g	16-20 count size
Cream cheese	2 Tbsp	30g	Full-fat, softened
Garlic cloves, minced	2-3	6-9g	Fresh, not jarred
Olive oil	1-2 Tbsp	15-30ml	Extra virgin
Lemon juice	1 Tbsp	15ml	Fresh squeezed
Tomato, chopped	1 medium	120g	Ripe, Roma preferred
Arugula	1/2 cup	15g	Fresh, peppery greens
Crushed red pepper	1/2 tsp	1g	Optional, for heat
Parmesan cheese	1/3 cup	30g	Freshly grated
Black pepper	To taste	–	Coarsely ground
Fresh basil leaves	1 handful	10g	Torn, not chopped
Olives	Optional	–	Kalamata or green

Essential Ingredients Explained

The shrimp provides lean protein while broccoli adds fiber and nutrients. Look for wild-caught Gulf shrimp at your local seafood counter—they have sweeter flavor than farmed varieties. Broccoli should snap cleanly when you bend the stems.

Cream cheese serves as the sauce base, creating richness without heavy cream. Garlic must be fresh and minced finely to distribute evenly. Parmesan acts as both seasoning and thickener when it melts into the warm pan.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Add sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair or swap arugula for baby spinach. Kalamata olives contribute briny depth that elevates this healthy low carb dinner. Fresh basil is non-negotiable—dried basil won’t deliver the same bright, aromatic finish.

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

Find fresh shrimp at the seafood counter rather than buying pre-packaged frozen bags. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s offer excellent quality at competitive prices. Buy Parmesan wedges from the specialty cheese section and grate them at home for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For Dairy-Free: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

For Shrimp Alternatives: Chicken breast strips or scallops work beautifully with identical cooking times.

For Different Greens: Swap arugula for baby kale, spinach, or mixed spring greens.

Essential Equipment and Preparation

You need just one 12-inch skillet or large sauté pan for this entire recipe. A wooden spoon prevents scratching non-stick surfaces. Keep a microplane grater handy for fresh Parmesan and a sharp chef’s knife for prep work.

Well, I learned the hard way that crowding the pan steams shrimp instead of searing them. Use a large skillet with plenty of surface area. If you only have a small pan, cook in batches for better browning.

Equipment Alternatives

No large skillet? A wok works wonderfully for this stir-fry style preparation. Cast iron skillets retain heat beautifully, though you’ll need to work quickly. Even a deep-sided frying pan gets the job done if that’s what you have.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking. Moisture prevents proper searing and creates steam instead of the delicious caramelization we’re after. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, keeping them roughly uniform for even cooking.

Mince garlic finely and set aside separately from other ingredients. Dice tomato into small chunks and tear basil leaves by hand. Grate Parmesan fresh and let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier incorporation.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp and Broccoli

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles instantly. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the entire pan surface. Toss in shrimp and broccoli together, spreading them in a single layer.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring every 60 seconds to ensure even browning. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque while broccoli develops golden edges. Julia Child always insisted on proper heat for quick-cooking proteins, and she was absolutely right.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle—if you hear silence, your pan isn’t hot enough. The broccoli will still have a slight crunch, which is exactly what you want. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses its vibrant green color.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Create the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, chopped tomato, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir constantly for 30 seconds—garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if left unattended. The lemon juice deglazes the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits.

Drop in cream cheese pieces, letting them soften for about 30 seconds before stirring. Add crushed red pepper if using. Stir everything together gently, allowing the cream cheese to melt and coat the shrimp and broccoli.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive. The tomatoes will break down slightly, adding body and acidity. This is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible and neighbors begin texting.

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Greens and Cheese

Turn off the heat completely before adding delicate ingredients. Toss in arugula and torn basil leaves, stirring just until they wilt from residual heat. This preserves their bright color and fresh flavor rather than cooking them into oblivion.

Sprinkle Parmesan over everything and add an absolutely generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Oops! I once added Parmesan while the heat was still on and it seized into clumps. Learn from my mistake.

Add olives now if using them, along with salt to taste. I rarely need extra salt because Parmesan and olives provide plenty of sodium. Give everything one final gentle toss to distribute all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Plate and Serve Immediately

Transfer to warmed plates or shallow bowls for the best presentation. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and a few whole basil leaves. Serve this garlic shrimp and broccoli while still steaming hot for maximum flavor impact.

The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t let it sit in the pan. This dish tastes best within 10 minutes of cooking, when textures remain distinct and fresh. Pair with cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal or enjoy it solo.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They continue cooking from residual heat after you remove the pan from the burner. Pull them off when they’re just turning opaque with slightly translucent centers. They’ll finish cooking perfectly as you add remaining ingredients.

Size Matters: Use 16-20 count shrimp for the best texture and cooking time. Smaller shrimp overcook easily while jumbo shrimp require longer cooking that turns your broccoli to mush.

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work beautifully if thawed properly. Place them in a colander under cold running water for 5 minutes, then pat bone-dry. Never use hot water, which partially cooks the exterior while leaving centers frozen.

Garlic Timing Is Everything: Add garlic after searing protein and vegetables. Raw garlic added too early burns and turns acrid. As Emeril Lagasse demonstrated countless times, aromatics need just 30-60 seconds to release their oils.

Creative Variations and Adaptations

Mediterranean Style

Replace arugula with baby spinach and add sun-dried tomatoes. Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan and finish with fresh oregano. Serve with this amazing shrimp stir-fry variation for meal prep ideas.

Cajun Spiced Version

Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Add diced bell peppers with the tomatoes and finish with hot sauce. This transforms your healthy low carb dinner into a New Orleans-inspired feast.

Asian-Inspired Twist

Swap lemon juice for rice vinegar and add a splash of coconut aminos. Replace basil with cilantro and Parmesan with sesame seeds. Ginger joins the garlic for an aromatic punch.

Tuscan Upgrade

Double the cream cheese and add white wine during the sauce phase. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. Extra Parmesan and Italian seasoning complete this luxurious version.

Holiday-Worthy Presentation

For Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, arrange shrimp around the broccoli on a platter. Drizzle with the creamy sauce and garnish with pomegranate arils and fresh herbs. This cheap high protein low carb meal suddenly becomes elegant enough for company.

Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions

This recipe tastes best fresh, but you can prep ingredients up to 24 hours ahead. Store peeled shrimp, cut broccoli, and minced garlic in separate airtight containers. Keep cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Leftovers keep for 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container. The sauce separates slightly when cold but comes together when reheated. Avoid the microwave, which turns shrimp rubbery. Instead, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of water.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practice
Refrigerator	2 days	Airtight container, separate sauce if possible
Freezer	Not recommended	Shrimp and cream cheese don’t freeze well
Meal Prep	24 hours	Store ingredients separately, cook fresh
Reheating	3-4 minutes	Low heat skillet with splash of water or broth

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This garlic shrimp and broccoli shines alongside cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto plate. You know what? Cheesy sausage tortellini bake makes an excellent non-keto option for feeding both keto and carb-loving family members.

Pour a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and garlic notes. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with fresh lemon works beautifully. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinegar rounds out the meal perfectly.

Try this high protein garlic squid recipe when you want similar flavors with different seafood. The techniques transfer seamlessly between proteins.

Garlic Shrimp With Broccoli FAQs

Your New Favorite Weeknight Winner

Man, oh man, this garlic shrimp with broccoli recipe has saved me on countless busy evenings when cooking felt impossible. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and that creamy Parmesan sauce creates magic in just 15 minutes.

Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply want a quick, protein-packed dinner, this recipe delivers every single time. The flavors remind me of expensive Italian restaurants without the hefty price tag or long cooking time.

Try this tonight and let me know how you customize it. Did you add extra garlic? Swap in different vegetables? I’d love to hear your variations in the comments below. Finish your meal with these incredible Oreo truffle bites if you’re feeling indulgent.

Now grab your skillet and make this happen. Your taste buds will thank you.