Quick Healthy Dinner Recipe

There’s something magical about the way lemon and garlic transform a simple pan of shrimp and vegetables into a mouthwatering, crave-worthy meal. This one-skillet wonder comes together in just 20 minutes, delivering big flavor without the fuss.

I first whipped this up on a rushed Tuesday night, craving something light yet satisfying. It’s now my go-to when I need a healthy dinner that won’t keep me in the kitchen all evening.

The juicy shrimp, crisp-tender vegetables, and bright citrusy sauce hit all the right notes — and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan approach. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

This dish may look fancy, but it’s a total weeknight warrior. From busy parents to solo diners watching their macros, there’s something for everyone here.

First off, this recipe is lightning fast. We’re talking 20 minutes from start to finish, and that includes chopping a few veggies. Perfect for those evenings when dinner needs to happen now.

It’s also incredibly healthy. Loaded with lean protein, fresh veggies, and heart-healthy olive oil, this meal is low in carbs and packed with nutrients — no processed ingredients in sight.

Versatility is another huge win. Don’t like bell peppers? Swap in zucchini. Out of shrimp? Try chicken. The base is so forgiving, you can tweak it to match your fridge and your mood.

And lastly, minimal cleanup is a dream come true. Everything cooks in one large skillet, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.

If you’re ready for a stress-free, delicious dinner, let’s take a closer look at what goes into this flavorful skillet.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can pull together a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro.

Shrimp is the star of the show. I recommend using medium to large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-on looks prettier for presentation, but go tail-off for easier eating. Frozen shrimp work great too — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Garlic and lemon are the flavor powerhouses here. Use fresh garlic cloves (not the pre-minced stuff) and a freshly squeezed lemon for the brightest, boldest taste. Zesting the lemon before juicing it gives an extra pop of citrus that’s absolutely worth the extra minute.

Bell peppers and broccoli add vibrant color and crunch. I love using a mix of red and yellow peppers along with small broccoli florets. They cook quickly and add a sweet, earthy contrast to the garlicky shrimp.

Olive oil keeps everything juicy and adds a nice richness. Use extra virgin for the best flavor, especially since we’re not using butter or cream here.

As for equipment, all you really need is a large nonstick skillet and a sharp knife. A citrus zester and garlic press will speed things up, but they’re optional.

How To Make This Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Veggie Skillet

Making this dinner is as easy as chopping, sautéing, and devouring. Here's the step-by-step breakdown so you can get it just right.

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice your bell peppers into strips, cut the broccoli into small florets, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Having everything ready before you start cooking is key because this dish comes together fast.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in your bell peppers and broccoli. Cook them for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re just starting to soften but still vibrant.

Next, push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the shrimp with a bit more olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and start to curl. Don’t overcook — shrimp go from perfect to rubbery fast.

Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Then pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Stir again so everything is well coated in that garlicky, citrusy goodness.

Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your choice of grain or enjoy it as-is for a light, low-carb dinner.

From fridge to table, this meal takes less than 25 minutes. Expect a dish that’s bright, savory, and totally satisfying — no takeout needed.

Storage Options

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), this skillet meal stores beautifully.

Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

If you’re meal prepping, divide the cooked dish into containers alongside brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. These make great grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Freezing isn’t ideal here, as shrimp can turn mushy after thawing. But if you must freeze, do so before adding the lemon juice and zest — and add those fresh after reheating.

To reheat, microwave on medium for 60–90 seconds or warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to revive the flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly flexible, so don’t be afraid to play around with it.

For a vegetarian twist, swap the shrimp for canned chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu. Just make sure to sauté the tofu until it’s golden and crispy before adding the veggies.

Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or drizzle with sriracha before serving.

Try different veggies based on what you have. Zucchini, asparagus, or snap peas all work beautifully. Just aim for similar cooking times and slice them into even pieces.

You can also experiment with herbs. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill at the end adds a fresh, herby note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

Don’t have fresh lemons? A splash of bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as bright.

Once you’ve made this once, you’ll start dreaming up your own combos. Trust your taste buds and enjoy the ride!

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