🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a healthy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in minutes? This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, requires minimal prep, and leaves almost no dishes behind.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Restaurant-quality flavors: Bright lemon and roasted garlic bring out the natural sweetness of shrimp.
- Wholesome & balanced: High-protein shrimp + fiber-rich asparagus = a light yet satisfying meal.
- One pan, zero stress: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Versatile: Adapt it with different vegetables, seasonings, or proteins to match your cravings.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s a weeknight lifesaver.
📋 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~285 per serving
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Gluten-Free | Low-Carb | Keto-Friendly | Mediterranean
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, simple ingredients make this dish shine:
- 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled & deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), woody ends trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (juice + zest)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for serving
Ingredient Notes & Swaps:
- Shrimp: Frozen works too—thaw and pat very dry.
- Asparagus: Swap with green beans, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil also works for high-heat roasting.
🔪 Kitchen Tools Required
- Sheet pan (18×13 inch rimmed baking sheet)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board & knife
- Zester or microplane
- Spatula or tongs
👉 Pro Tip: Line your sheet pan with parchment or foil for faster cleanup.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line sheet pan with parchment (optional for easy cleanup).
2. Prepare Shrimp & Asparagus
- Shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels.
- Asparagus: Trim ends. For thick stalks, slice in half lengthwise for even cooking.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Oregano, red pepper flakes, salt & black pepper
4. Marinate Shrimp
- Toss shrimp in marinade for 5 minutes while prepping asparagus.
- (Don’t over-marinate—the lemon juice can start “cooking” the shrimp).
5. Roast Everything
- Spread asparagus in a single layer on sheet pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil + salt.
- Add shrimp on top, pouring extra marinade over.
- Roast 8–10 minutes, until shrimp are pink & opaque and asparagus is tender-crisp.
👉 Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for light caramelization.
6. Finish & Serve
- Squeeze juice of the second lemon over everything.
- Sprinkle parsley + Parmesan (if using).
- Serve hot with sides of choice.
🔑 Pro Cooking Tips (Science-Backed)
- Pat shrimp dry → prevents steaming, ensures roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd → use 2 pans if doubling. Crowding = steaming, not roasting.
- Shrimp doneness test: Shrimp curled into a C = cooked; into an O = overcooked.
- Layer placement: Thick asparagus on outer edges (hotter), thinner stalks in center.
- Flavor boost: Save extra lemon zest to sprinkle on just before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 15g (mostly heart-healthy fats)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
✅ Gluten-Free | ✅ Keto-Friendly | ✅ Low-Carb
🌍 Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetables: Swap asparagus for broccoli, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Protein: Try chicken bites (15–18 min) or cod/halibut (12–14 min).
- Spice: Add Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.
- Mediterranean twist: Add olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes halfway through roasting.
- Asian twist: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in the marinade.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
- Over rice, quinoa, or orzo pasta for a complete meal.
- With crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Paired with a light salad and roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
♻️ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in skillet with a splash of broth (2–3 min) or microwave at 50% power.
- Enjoy cold: Great chilled over salad with extra lemon.
- ❌ Not freezer-friendly (shrimp & asparagus lose texture).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely, pat very dry before marinating.
What’s the best shrimp size?
Large (21–25 per lb) works best for even cooking.
Can I meal-prep this recipe?
Yes, trim asparagus & mix marinade ahead of time. Marinate shrimp only 15–30 mins before baking.
How to keep asparagus crisp?
Don’t overbake. For thick stalks, give them a 3–5 min head start.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use 2 sheet pans. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
✅ Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus is the definition of fast, fresh, and flavorful cooking. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a dinner that’s healthy, protein-packed, and bursting with vibrant flavors—all with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a quick solo dinner, this one-pan recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. Save it, pin it, and make it your go-to weeknight favorite!
