Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus – this is an easy, light and healthy dinner option that is cooked in one pan and can be on your table in 15 minutes. Buttery shrimp and asparagus flavored with lemon juice and garlic. Only 309 calories per serving!

This is the kind of recipe I live for. Why? Because it’s easy to make, takes minimal effort, and is a hot meal on my dinner table in 15 minutes.

I had some asparagus that needed cooked, but I have a feeling this dish would taste amazing with a side of pasta or, if you’re looking to keep this meal low-carb, with zoodles (zucchini noodles). Maybe even spiralized sweet potato “noodles”! Mmmhmmm.

The freshly squeezed lemon juice compliments the flavor of both the shrimp and the asparagus very well. It gives this already tasty dish a refreshing and light boost for your taste buds.

Ingredients:
Shrimp:

• 1.5 lbs medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on or tail-off)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular)

Asparagus:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb asparagus
• salt (to taste)

Garnishment:

• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)

Instructions:

1. Place a large non-stick skillet with butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper (to taste). Allow to cook 1-2 minutes on one side.
2. Add the minced garlic, italian seasoning, onion powder and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and flipping the shrimp to cook on the opposite side.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the shrimp has turned pink. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Combine the butter and olive oil to the same pan. Once the butter has melted, add the asparagus. Season with salt (to taste). Allow to cook until the asparagus is fork-tender. Approximately 4-6 minutes. Time will be dependent on how thick the asparagus is.
5. Add the shrimp back to the pan. Squeeze half of a lemon over the top of the shrimp and asparagus. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes:
Tips:

1. Buy wild caught shrimp. Don't buy farm-raised. I assure you that you are only sacrificing flavor. Aim for the medium to large-sized shrimp, as well. More of a flavor impact!
2. When buying, pay attention to the packaging. Buy shrimp that has already been deveined, shelled and cleaned. Tail-on or tail-off with this recipe is entirely up to you. I left the tail on for visual effect.
3. Use as fresh of ingredients as you can. Fresh parsley, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and freshly minced (or pressed if you have a garlic press) garlic. Fresh is always best when it comes to maximizing flavor. Don't short yourself!