Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is a flavorful and easy one-pan dinner that combines tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli. This dish is seasoned with garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon, making it a delicious and balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy, protein-packed option that brings both comfort and freshness to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, sprinkle with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with garlic butter.
Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add broccoli florets on top of the rice. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until rice is tender and broccoli is bright green.
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, stir everything together, and drizzle with lemon juice.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrients (per serving, approximately)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 700mg

The Appeal of One-Pan Meals

One of the biggest advantages of Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is the fact that it’s cooked in a single pan. This means fewer dishes to wash, minimal mess, and faster cleanup — a dream scenario for anyone juggling work, family, and daily responsibilities. One-pan meals are incredibly popular because they offer simplicity without compromising taste. In this particular dish, the flavors from the shrimp, garlic butter, and chicken broth blend together to infuse the rice and broccoli with a rich, savory taste that you would typically expect from a more complex recipe.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient enhances the others. The shrimp is seasoned with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper — providing warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness. Garlic butter creates a fragrant, savory base for the rice, infusing each grain with buttery richness.

The rice itself absorbs all the flavors in the pan, from the savory broth to the aromatic garlic. Broccoli adds a burst of freshness and a subtle bitterness that balances the dish’s richness. Finally, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything, lifting the flavors and tying the whole meal together with a touch of acidity.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is not only tasty but also nutritious. Shrimp is a low-calorie source of high-quality protein, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a filling meal without excessive calories. Shrimp is also rich in essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12, all of which contribute to proper thyroid function, immune support, and energy production.

Rice serves as a reliable carbohydrate source, providing energy while also being easy to digest. When paired with fiber-rich broccoli, the meal becomes more balanced, helping with digestion and keeping you fuller for longer. Broccoli is also packed with vitamins C and K, along with antioxidants that support immune health and overall well-being.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is an excellent option for meal prepping. Because shrimp cooks so quickly, you can prepare this meal in under 30 minutes and portion it into containers for lunches throughout the week. When stored properly, it reheats well, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. The rice continues to absorb the flavors over time, often tasting even better the next day.

For best results when meal prepping, slightly undercook the broccoli so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice after reheating can also refresh the flavors, making the meal taste like it was just cooked.

Versatility and Substitutions

One of the reasons Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is such a popular recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the dish based on your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are a few simple variations:

Grain Substitutes: Swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you want to boost the fiber content or reduce carbs.
Protein Variations: Don’t have shrimp? This dish works beautifully with chicken, tofu, or even salmon.
Vegetable Add-Ins: While broccoli is the star vegetable here, you could also throw in bell peppers, carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish a fiery kick.

Suitable for All Occasions

Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is versatile enough to suit a range of dining situations. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weekday dinner, meal prepping for a busy week ahead, or preparing a comforting meal for guests, it fits the bill. Despite being easy to prepare, it has an elegant presentation — plump shrimp atop a bed of garlicky rice and bright green broccoli — making it suitable for casual dinners or special occasions alike.

Tips for Cooking Success

Although this recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Choose Quality Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Rinse the Rice: Washing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky. This helps each grain remain separate, resulting in a fluffier texture.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly — usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so watch them closely and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
Timing the Broccoli: Adding the broccoli toward the end of cooking ensures it stays bright green and slightly crisp. This not only preserves nutrients but also adds a nice textural contrast to the soft rice.

Pairing Ideas

While this dish is complete on its own, you can enhance the meal with a few simple sides or accompaniments if you’re serving a larger crowd or want to add extra variety:

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding freshness to the meal.
Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs, warm garlic bread complements the flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter rice.
Dipping Sauce: A light aioli or creamy garlic sauce can be served on the side for those who enjoy extra richness.

Family-Friendly Appeal

This dish is also a family-friendly option that appeals to both adults and kids. The mild flavors and comforting rice make it approachable, while the shrimp and broccoli add visual appeal and nutritional value. If serving to children, you can easily adjust the seasoning to make it even more kid-friendly by reducing the garlic or lemon if needed.

A Budget-Friendly Seafood Dish

Shrimp is often considered a luxury ingredient, but this recipe stretches a small amount into a full meal by combining it with affordable pantry staples like rice and broth. You get a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy seafood on a budget.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is a standout dish that brings together convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one pan. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or expensive ingredients to create a satisfying and delicious meal. With juicy shrimp, garlicky rice, and bright broccoli, this dish delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner after a long day, a meal prep option that keeps you on track, or a healthy recipe the whole family will enjoy, this dish fits every scenario. Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, and its adaptable nature allows you to tailor it to your personal taste. Once you try Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen — a reliable go-to for busy nights, healthy eating, and flavorful home cooking.

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