Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli: The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner

There are some dinners that check every box. Quick enough for a busy weeknight. Impressive enough for company. Healthy enough to feel good about. And delicious enough that everyone at the table asks for seconds.

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli is that dinner.

I stumbled upon this combination on a night when I needed to clean out my refrigerator. I had shrimp in the freezer, sausage in the fridge, and broccoli threatening to wilt in the crisper drawer. I threw them all in a pan with a quick honey garlic sauce, hoping for the best.

What emerged was pure magic. The sweet, sticky, savory sauce coated every piece perfectly. The shrimp were tender and juicy. The sausage added smoky, savory depth. The broccoli soaked up all that goodness while staying crisp-tender. It was one of those meals where you take a bite, pause, and think, “I need to remember exactly how I made this.”

Since then, this dish has become a regular in my rotation. It’s my go-to when I want something fast, healthy, and satisfying. It’s my answer to “what’s for dinner?” on nights when I have no energy to think. And it never, ever disappoints.

Today, I’m sharing this recipe with you, along with everything I’ve learned about making it perfect every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

One pan, minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single skillet or sheet pan. Less dishes, more time enjoying dinner.

Ready in under 30 minutes. From start to finish, this comes together faster than takeout delivery.

Perfect balance of flavors. Sweet honey, savory garlic, smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and fresh broccoli—every bite is a party.

Healthy and satisfying. Lean protein from shrimp, more protein from sausage, and fiber-rich vegetables. This is a complete, balanced meal.

Customizable. Use any sausage you like, any vegetables you have, adjust the sauce to your taste.

Meal-prep friendly. Makes excellent leftovers and packs well for lunches.

Crowd-pleasing. Kids love the sweet honey flavor. Adults appreciate the complexity. Everyone goes back for seconds.

Low-carb and keto adaptable. Skip the honey or use a sugar substitute, and this fits many low-carb lifestyles.

The Complete Ingredient Breakdown

For the Protein:

½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Shrimp cook quickly and soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully. Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked. Medium or large shrimp work best—aim for 31-40 count per pound.

Fresh or frozen? Either works. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. Excess water will prevent browning.

½ pound smoked sausage

The sausage adds smoky, savory depth that contrasts perfectly with the sweet honey garlic sauce. Choose based on your preference:

· Andouille: Spicy and smoky, great if you like heat
· Kielbasa: Mild, smoky, widely available
· Chicken sausage: Lower fat, still delicious
· Italian sausage: Sweet or hot both work well
· Turkey sausage: Lean option

Slice into ½-inch rounds or half-moons.

For the Broccoli:

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

Fresh broccoli is best—it stays crisp-tender and soaks up the sauce. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of florets.

Alternative vegetables: This recipe is flexible. Try cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, snap peas, or asparagus.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

⅓ cup honey

The sweet foundation of the sauce. Use good quality honey for best flavor. For low-carb, use a sugar-free honey substitute.

4 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is essential. Don’t skimp—this is honey GARLIC shrimp, after all.

¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)

Adds savory depth and saltiness. Low-sodium lets you control the salt level. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.

1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)

Adds a lovely kick that balances the sweetness. Adjust to your heat preference.

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Adds nutty, toasty flavor that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired. A little goes a long way.

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For thickening the sauce at the end, creating a glossy coating that clings to everything.

For Cooking:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

For sautéing. Use a high smoke-point oil like canola, avocado, or peanut.

Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Adds color, crunch, and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Skillet Method)

Step 1: Prep All Ingredients

Before you start cooking, have everything ready:

· Shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry
· Sausage sliced into ½-inch rounds
· Broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
· Garlic minced
· Sauce ingredients measured and mixed (except cornstarch slurry)

Stir-frying moves fast—you won’t have time to prep once the pan is hot.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

· ⅓ cup honey
· ¼ cup soy sauce
· 1 tablespoon sriracha (if using)
· 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Set aside. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook another 2 minutes until browned all over. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil if needed.

Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Do not overcook—shrimp turn rubbery quickly. Remove to the plate with sausage.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. If the pan seems dry, add a tablespoon of water and cover immediately. Steam for 2-3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.

Remove the lid and let any remaining water evaporate.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine.

Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over everything. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Give the cornstarch slurry a stir and pour it into the skillet. Continue stirring and cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating all the ingredients beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Sheet Pan Method)

For even easier cleanup, try the oven method.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Prepare the same sauce as above, but divide it—reserve half for tossing with the cooked ingredients at the end.

Step 3: Toss and Arrange

In a large bowl, combine the sausage slices, shrimp, and broccoli florets. Drizzle with half the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Arrange in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd—give everything room to roast, not steam.

Step 4: Roast

Roast at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, sausage is browned, and broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 5: Finish

Transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with the reserved fresh sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

The Science Behind the Perfection

Why shrimp cook so fast: Shrimp are lean and delicate. They need only 2-3 minutes total over high heat. Overcooking makes them rubbery—watch carefully.

Searing sausage first: Browning the sausage creates fond (those browned bits) that add tremendous flavor to the finished dish.

Crisp-tender broccoli: Quick cooking keeps broccoli bright green and slightly crunchy. Overcooked broccoli is mushy and sad.

Cornstarch slurry: Adding starch at the end thickens the sauce and creates a glossy coating that clings to every piece rather than pooling at the bottom.

Honey’s role: Honey not only sweetens but also helps create that beautiful glaze as it caramelizes slightly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Shrimp Are Rubbery

They cooked too long. Shrimp need only 1-2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Remove them immediately.

My Sauce Is Too Thin

Either not enough cornstarch or it didn’t have time to thicken. Make sure your slurry is well mixed and give it a full minute to work after adding.

My Sauce Is Too Thick

Add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency.

The Broccoli Is Mushy

You cooked it too long. For skillet method, steam just 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. For sheet pan, don’t over-roast.

The Flavors Are Flat

It likely needs more salt, more garlic, or a hit of acid. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten everything.

My Sheet Pan Version Burned

Your oven may run hot, or the pieces were too small. Check at 10 minutes and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations.

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Double the sriracha or add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. The heat is addictive.

Ginger Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger along with the garlic. Ginger adds warmth and brightness.

Pineapple Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The sweetness pairs beautifully.

Lemon Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add the zest and juice of one lemon at the end. The acidity cuts through the richness.

Coconut Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes when returning shrimp to the pan. Toast briefly.

Vegetable-Packed Version

Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or any vegetables you have. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Use a sugar-free honey substitute or increase the savory elements and skip the sweetener entirely. Serve over cauliflower rice.

Gluten-Free Version

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli

Steamed white rice: The classic. Jasmine or short-grain rice soaks up that incredible sauce.

Brown rice: A nuttier, healthier alternative.

Cauliflower rice: For low-carb or keto diets. The sauce makes it delicious.

Quinoa: Adds protein and a nice texture.

Noodles: Toss with lo mein noodles or rice noodles for a different experience.

Simply as is: This dish is so flavorful and balanced, it needs nothing else.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water to refresh the sauce. The microwave works but may overcook the shrimp slightly.

Freezer: This dish freezes reasonably well, though shrimp can become slightly tougher upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

Meal prep: Make a double batch and portion into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

The Story Behind the Dish

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli is a perfect example of how the best recipes often come from necessity. I created it on a night when I had random ingredients that needed to be used and zero energy for a complicated meal.

The combination might seem unusual—shrimp and sausage aren’t a classic pairing. But that contrast is exactly what makes it work. The shrimp are light and delicate; the sausage is bold and smoky. Together, they create a complexity that’s greater than either alone.

The honey garlic sauce ties everything together, coating each piece with sweet, savory, sticky perfection. And the broccoli adds freshness, color, and a nutritious counterpoint to all that richness.

It’s become one of those meals I make without even thinking—the kind where I don’t need the recipe anymore, where my hands know exactly what to do. It’s comfort food, quick food, and impressive food all rolled into one.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Permanent Place in Your Rotation

This Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli represents everything I want in a weeknight dinner. It’s fast enough for the busiest evenings. It’s healthy enough to feel good about. It’s delicious enough to feel like a treat. And it’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

I’ve made this dish on frantic Tuesday nights when I needed dinner in under 30 minutes. I’ve made it for friends who wanted something impressive but not complicated. I’ve made it for myself when I wanted a meal that felt special without hours of work.

Every single time, it delivers. Every single time, I’m amazed at how something so quick can be so good.

The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and fresh broccoli hits every note. It’s satisfying without being heavy. It’s complex without being complicated. It’s exactly the kind of meal that belongs in your regular rotation.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s reliable, delicious, and always welcome at the table.

And now it can be that for you too.

So grab that shrimp. Slice that sausage. Cut that broccoli. And get ready to discover your new favorite quick dinner.

Your family is about to be very, very happy.

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Have you made this Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli? What variations did you try? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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