Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli

This easy sheet pan Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is garlicky, cheesy, ready in under 30 minutes, and still healthy! Serve it with polenta, rice, pasta, or quinoa for a quick, delicious dinner.

This is one of those recipes that is perfect for busy nights since it can be made with frozen shrimp and vegetables right from the freezer if needed. Shrimp defrosts quickly and as I shared yesterday, you can roast frozen vegetables and still get pretty great results. Plus it is a great alternative to stir-fries, which are a popular option for quick meals.

This simple shrimp dish has so much flavor from a combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon. Plus there is something so satisfying about cooking an entire, restaurant-worthy dinner on one sheet pan.

Looking for something cozy? Pair this meal with a warm bowl of polenta, pasta, or rice.

Pro tip: This recipe (minus the broccoli florets) makes a fabulous appetizer. The Garlic Parmesan Shrimp are so yummy and make a great alternative to a shrimp cocktail.

Looking for more shrimp recipes? You're in luck! Try this Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta, Spicy Fish and Shrimp Stew, or tasty Shrimp Stir Fry.

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here is everything you need to make this delicious shrimp recipe.

• Shrimp: This recipe can be made with any size shrimp you like, except very small bay shrimp. Make sure that the shrimp are defrosted, peeled, deveined, and with tails removed (optional).
• Broccoli: For the best results, use fresh broccoli florets so that they caramelize and brown when roasted. Frozen broccoli will also work, but it won’t get browned or crispy in the same way as fresh.
• Garlic: For the most flavor, use fresh garlic cloves. Minced garlic and garlic powder can also be used.
• Parmesan cheese: If you want a really delicious nutty, Parmesan flavor, then finish using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded or grated cheese. If that’s all you have, it also works great.
• Dried basil: Fresh basil tends to burn in the oven, so I usually use dried. If you prefer fresh, just add it before serving. Swap in Italian seasoning, oregano, rosemary, thyme, or other herbs if you like.
• Red pepper flakes: For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Leave this out if you prefer no spice.
• Lemon: Lemon and shrimp is a classic pairing and in this recipe, the lemon juice adds brightness and freshness. Add lemon zest for even more lemon flavor.
• Olive oil: Use a really flavorful olive oil since it is an important ingredient. If you like buttery shrimp, replace half of the olive oil with melted butter.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Making this delicious dish is as easy as it is healthy!

1. Sheet Pan Oven Method

Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes. Lay the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Put the whole tray in the oven and let the broccoli roast for about 10 minutes.

While that's roasting, toss the shrimp with the remaining olive oil, garlic, parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Remove the broccoli pan from the oven and give it a shake. Add the shrimp to the same pan and return it to the oven. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque.

Remove from the oven. Squeeze lemon juice all over the shrimp and broccoli and serve!

2. Stir Fry Option

If you prefer making this stovetop, it's also a great option! Heat up a heavy skillet or wok. Drizzle with olive oil and add the broccoli florets along with about 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the water mostly evaporates and the broccoli is bright green. Remove and set aside.

Drizzle in some more olive oil (or butter for garlic butter shrimp). Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through.

Add the broccoli back to the skillet. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and basil. Stir and cook for about one minute, adding an extra drizzle of olive oil if needed. Finish with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Side Dish Ideas

This shrimp dish is a low-carb meal on its own, but it also pairs well with so many other dishes.

• Mashed potatoes: Serve this over some creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes.
• Polenta: For cozy comfort food, serve this with a warm bowl of Parmesan polenta.
• Rice and grains: Serve this on a bed of white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
• Bread: Grab a warm baguette homemade breadsticks or dinner rolls.

Change up the Flavor

While I love the combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese with shrimp and broccoli, there are a lot of other ways to make this dish.

• Asian: Use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and Sriracha to make an Asian sauce for the shrimp. Or swap in a homemade stir-fry sauce. Finish the dish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or noodles.
• Mexican: Toss the shrimp and broccoli (or cauliflower) with taco seasoning. Then finish the dish with a dollop of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
• Cajun: Toss the shrimp and broccoli (or green beans) with cajun seasoning. Serve the dish over rice and beans.

Change up the Veggies

Not a fan of broccoli? No problem! You can use any of these other vegetables instead of (or in addition to) eating the broccoli with the shrimp. Follow the directions the same for cooking the broccoli, except where noted:

• Cauliflower
• Asparagus (cook with shrimp)
• Green beans (cook 5 minutes, then add shrimp)
• Eggplant
• Zucchini or yellow squash (cook for 5 minutes, then add shrimp)
• Spinach or kale (cook separately then add to shrimp)
• Bell peppers (cook for 5 minutes, then add shrimp)
• Brussels sprouts (cook 20 minutes, then add shrimp)

Can I make this with frozen shrimp?

This recipe comes out great with frozen shrimp, but you will want to defrost them first so that they cook evenly. If you have time (and remember), just place the shrimp in the fridge the night before so that they can defrost.

If you need to defrost them in a rush, place them in a bowl of cold water in the sink. Turn the water on and let a very slow stream of water continue to flow into the bowl for 8-10 minutes until defrosted. Drain and dry.

Can I make this with frozen broccoli?

This recipe works well with frozen broccoli as well. Increase the temperature to 425 and preheat the pan as well to help the broccoli cook more quickly. Leave it in for 10-12 minutes, until you see it beginning to brown, before adding the shrimp. Then add the shrimp and cook for 4-6 minutes until just cooked through.

Is this Shrimp and Broccoli recipe healthy?

So what exactly is it that makes this roasted broccoli and shrimp sheet pan dish so healthy? Consider all the individual ingredients:

• Broccoli is a fantastic source of all sorts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K and C, folate, fiber, potassium, sulforaphane, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, and much, much more!
• Olive oil is a heart-healthy oil that's a good source of fat. The oleic acid in olive oil can reduce inflammation in the body and can also have anti-cancer properties as well as antioxidant properties.
• Garlic is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Parmesan cheese is low-fat cheese that's high in protein and calcium!
• Basil is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, manganese, calcium, omega-3s, and magnesium. Plus, it is so delicious on so many dishes and is super low in calories!
• Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which can help to boost your metabolism. They also deliver a lot of flavor and heat without any additional calories, fat, or sodium.
• Shrimp is a low-calorie, low-fat way to fill up protein. Shrimp is also a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, niacin, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, and omega-6 and -3 fatty acids.
• Lemons are full of vitamin C and fiber and can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Lots of citrus fiber is also good for reducing high cholesterol levels.