Introduction
Gather around, friends! Today, we’re whipping up a delightful dish that brings together succulent shrimp, hearty smoked sausage, and vibrant broccoli all sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Broccoli recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, offering a burst of flavor and colorful presentation. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Let’s dive in and savor those mouthwatering flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let the butter bubble and turn a lovely golden color.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned and sizzling, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted and starts to foam, toss in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté this fragrant mixture for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Next, add the vibrant broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well, ensuring each piece is coated in the garlic butter goodness. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the shrimp! Add them to the skillet and watch as they transform to a stunning pink and opaque color, approximately 3-4 minutes should do the trick.
- Return the previously cooked sausage to the skillet and drizzle in the lemon juice, giving everything a good stir to combine the flavors.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and make sure those flavors are fully incorporated.
- Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for that lovely burst of freshness and color.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite veggies such as bell peppers or spinach!
- If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or serve with a dash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, consider using chicken sausage or even omit the sausage entirely to showcase the shrimp and broccoli.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe focuses on sautéing, a fantastic technique that helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients while creating a delicious golden crust. The key is to maintain a moderate heat to ensure everything cooks evenly without burning. Always remember to stir occasionally, allowing that lovely garlic butter mixture to envelop each shrimp and broccoli floret evenly.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. Then, just cook it right before serving!
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Broccoli is perfect on its own, but you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier meal.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage Broccoli dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a true celebration of simplicity and flavor. In under thirty minutes, you can create something that looks and tastes like a gourmet meal, perfect for impressing family or friends. Enjoy savoring each bite with loved ones and know that you’ve brought something special to the table!