Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli, A Quick and Flavorful One-Pan Meal!

In the world of fast and delicious weeknight dinners, Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli stands out for its rich flavors and simplicity. This one-pan meal brings together succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli in a dish that’s full of flavor yet quick to prepare. With garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this recipe adds just the right kick to satisfy your cravings for something savory and filling.

But it’s not just about convenience—this dish is a true family favorite. When you’re juggling busy schedules and need a meal on the table in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver. In my home, this meal has always been a hit with everyone, especially because of its vibrant colors and diverse textures. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be modified based on your preferences, making it a staple in my weekly meal rotation.

Let’s dive into how you can make Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli and enjoy a delicious and wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love this dish, but here are some of the highlights that make it a must-try for busy families and anyone looking for a satisfying meal:

1. One-Pan Simplicity

With minimal dishes to clean, this meal is perfect for those nights when you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. Everything comes together in one skillet, reducing the cleanup afterward.

2. Quick Cooking Time

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a complete, balanced meal that’s packed with protein and veggies. This is ideal for weeknights or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead.

3. Balanced Nutrition

This dish offers lean shrimp packed with omega-3 fatty acids, flavorful sausage, and fiber-rich broccoli. It’s a balanced combination that keeps you full without feeling heavy.

4. Customizable

Whether you like things spicy, tangy, or prefer to add extra veggies, this dish is highly customizable. You can substitute the sausage, adjust the heat, or add more greens to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the key ingredients and why they work so well together:

Shrimp: This lean protein is the star of the dish, offering a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky sausage and savory garlic. Shrimp also cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for fast meals.
Smoked Sausage: The smoked sausage adds depth and a hearty flavor to the dish. Its fattiness contrasts beautifully with the shrimp and broccoli, providing a balance of richness and freshness.
Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, broccoli brings a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish. It also soaks up the garlic and sausage flavors as it cooks.
Garlic: Essential for adding aroma and depth to the dish, garlic is a key flavor component that brings everything together. The minced garlic infuses the oil and makes each bite more flavorful.
Olive Oil: A healthier alternative to butter, olive oil helps brown the sausage and sauté the garlic while keeping everything light.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended. They add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors, cutting through the richness of the sausage and balancing the dish with a fresh citrus note.

This is How You Can Make Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Heat the Skillet
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until it is browned and crispy around the edges. This should take about 5 minutes. The fat from the sausage will render out, creating a flavorful base for the rest of the dish.
Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—keep the heat at medium or lower.
Steam the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water to the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for about 3-4 minutes. The broccoli should turn bright green and become tender, but still slightly crunchy.
Cook the Shrimp
- Uncover the skillet and add the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly, so stir them in with the sausage and broccoli and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Season and Finish
- Once the shrimp are cooked, season the dish with salt, pepper, and the juice of one lemon. Stir to combine, ensuring that all the flavors are evenly distributed. You can garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an added pop of color and freshness.
Serve Hot
- Serve the dish hot, either on its own or with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful juices. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.

Nutritional Information:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 per serving

Tips for Success

To make sure your Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli turns out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp works well in a pinch, fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
Choose High-Quality Sausage: The sausage plays a big role in flavoring this dish, so opt for a high-quality smoked sausage for the best taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, try using Andouille sausage.
Broccoli Substitutes: While broccoli is a great fit for this recipe, you can switch it out for other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add a Side: While this dish is satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous for a heartier meal. You could also serve it with a side salad for added greens.

Variations

This recipe is very adaptable, so here are some ways you can change it up based on your preferences:

1. Swap Out the Protein

If shrimp isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with chicken or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, you could use plant-based sausage alternatives and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

2. Add a Creamy Sauce

For a richer version of this dish, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after cooking the shrimp, creating a creamy garlic sauce that coats the shrimp, sausage, and broccoli. Top it off with some grated Parmesan for a decadent finish.

3. Spice It Up

If you love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. You can also use spicy sausage to ramp up the flavor.

4. Lemon Garlic Butter

If you want to elevate the citrus notes, make a lemon garlic butter sauce by melting butter and adding more lemon juice and garlic, then drizzling it over the dish right before serving.

Conclusion

In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table with this Garlic Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli recipe. It’s the perfect combination of savory shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh broccoli, all cooked in one pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!