Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious dinner that requires minimal cleanup?
This One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa dish is the perfect answer!
Juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and fluffy quinoa come together in a single pan for a meal that’s high in protein, full of flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner, this recipe is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa
- Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup – Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and effort.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Full of Flavor – Infused with garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb shrimp – Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup quinoa – Rinsed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced
- 2 tbsp butter – Or olive oil for a dairy-free option
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional for a spicy kick
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley – Chopped
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- In the same pan, add quinoa and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and absorbs all the liquid.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss with the quinoa.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best One-Pot Shrimp and Quinoa
- Use high-quality shrimp – Fresh or frozen, but ensure they are properly cleaned.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – Remove once they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Let the quinoa rest – Cover for a few minutes after cooking for fluffier texture.
- Adjust the spice level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free – Swap butter for extra olive oil.
- Add more veggies – Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Try different seasonings – Use Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Use different grains – Substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous.
What to Serve with One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa
- A simple green salad for extra freshness. Click here if you’re looking for more salad recipes.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
- A side of garlic bread for extra indulgence.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
Yes, you can use couscous, brown rice, or bulgur, but cooking times may vary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa (30-Minutes)
This One-Pot Garlic Shrimp and Quinoa is a quick and flavorful dish packed with protein and nutrients. Juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fluffy quinoa come together in a single pan, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and infused with Mediterranean flavors, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup quinoa Rinsed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp butter Or olive oil for a dairy-free option
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes Optional for a spicy kick
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- In the same pan, add quinoa and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and absorbs all the liquid.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss with the quinoa.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!