Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re craving something utterly satisfying, impossibly fresh, and ready in less than half an hour, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms is about to become your go-to. This dish is a vibrant celebration of juicy shrimp tossed with tender asparagus and earthy mushrooms, all nestled together in a silky, garlic-infused butter sauce. It’s the definition of a one-pan wonder: weeknight-easy with a truly elegant finish. Serve it right from the skillet and watch everyone dive in, fork-first!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms is how every ingredient plays a starring role, from the sweet, succulent shrimp to the punchy garlic and fresh lemon juice. Keep your produce crisp, your shrimp large, and your butter plentiful — and you’re guaranteed big, bold flavors in every bite.

• Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled & deveined): Go for large, wild-caught shrimp for the best juicy texture and natural sweetness.
• Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed and cut): Choose stalks that are firm and bright green for maximum snap and flavor.
• Cremini Mushrooms (1 cup, halved or sliced): Their earthiness deepens the overall taste—skip white buttons for maximum flavor!
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp, or olive oil): Butter brings out the signature richness; opt for olive oil if you prefer a lighter touch.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): This is what brings the magic—don’t skimp or substitute!
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and lifts all the other ingredients, balancing the rich flavors.
• Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and color without overwhelming the seafood.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season generously to make each element sing.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little kick, a sprinkle at the end gives a pleasant heat.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your shrimp, sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for just 1–2 minutes per side. The secret here is not to overcook—pull them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque, keeping them luscious and tender. Scoop them out and set aside (it’s okay if you sneak one as a cook’s treat).

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

With the shrimp removed, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Toss in all that lovely minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Once it fills your kitchen with that unmistakable aroma, you know you’re about to create Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms magic!

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add your sliced cremini mushrooms next, spreading them in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to brown beautifully, then stir and sauté for 3–4 minutes total. This step gives the dish fantastic texture and savoriness.

Step 4: Add Asparagus

Once the mushrooms are golden and aromatic, add in the trimmed asparagus pieces. Sauté for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and just tender—a little snap is perfect.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour over the fresh lemon juice, and toss everything together so the juices and garlicky butter coat every piece. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The whole skillet should look glossy, colorful, and deeply inviting!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms

Garnishes

A little finishing flourish goes a long way: sprinkle your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms with bright chopped parsley, a few grinds of extra black pepper, a wedge of lemon on the side, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This skillet supper is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, buttered orzo, fresh focaccia, or a tangle of angel hair pasta. For a lighter vibe, just serve with lemony greens or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling everything onto a big platter for sharing at the table, or serve over toasted sourdough slices for a rustic take. For an elegant dinner party, spoon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms into individual shallow bowls, letting the savory juices pool around the seafood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms into an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 2 days while keeping the vegetables crisp and the shrimp juicy.

Freezing

Because asparagus and mushrooms can lose their lovely texture after freezing, I don’t generally recommend freezing this dish. However, if you do freeze, opt for just the shrimp and sauce components, then add freshly sautéed veggies before reheating and serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter if needed to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long, as it tends to toughen quickly; a quick skillet refresh keeps everything tender and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and pat your shrimp dry thoroughly—they’ll sear up beautifully and absorb all that garlicky butter flavor perfectly.

Is there a dairy-free option for the garlic butter sauce?

You can absolutely swap in high-quality olive oil or a vegan buttery spread for the butter, resulting in a delicious dairy-free take on Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms.

What’s the best way to clean and trim asparagus?

Simply snap off the woody bottom inch or two of each stalk; it will naturally break at the right spot. Give the remaining asparagus a quick rinse and you’re good to go!

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Definitely—try broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, or even baby spinach for a different spin. The most important thing is to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant to balance out the savory shrimp.

How spicy does this dish get with red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes just add a gentle back-end heat if you use a pinch; if you’re a heat lover, feel free to go bolder or serve them in a little bowl at the table so guests can customize their plates.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus and Mushrooms, I’m reminded how a handful of fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. I hope you’ll give this easy, elegant dish a try—whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen!

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