Ever had one of those days when you want something fancy… but also want to wear sweatpants and do zero dishes? Same. That’s where this Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet comes in to save the night.
This dish feels like a restaurant splurge, but it cooks in one pan and takes less time than scrolling your phone for dinner ideas. The shrimp stay juicy. The sauce turns rich and garlicky. And the whole thing fits your low-carb lifestyle without tasting “diet.”
It works for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and those nights when you just want comfort in a bowl. You get creamy, cozy, and keto all in one skillet. Honestly, this recipe might become your new excuse to cancel plans.
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing?
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
This Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet checks all the boxes.
First, it cooks fast. You can make it in about 20 minutes. That’s faster than waiting for delivery.
Second, it uses one pan. Less cleanup means more couch time.
Third, it fits a keto lifestyle. You get low carbs, high flavor, and big comfort vibes.
It also feels fancy without acting fancy. You can serve it to guests or eat it straight from the skillet. No judgment here. FYI, leftovers taste even better the next day.
You also get loads of garlic, a creamy sauce, and tender shrimp. What’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – They cook fast and stay juicy.
-
Olive oil – Adds flavor and helps the shrimp sear.
-
Butter – Builds rich taste in the sauce.
-
Garlic cloves (minced) – The star of the show. Use fresh for best flavor.
-
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce thick and dreamy.
-
Cream cheese – Adds body and extra creaminess.
-
Parmesan cheese (grated) – Brings salty, nutty depth.
-
Chicken broth – Loosens the sauce and adds flavor.
-
Italian seasoning – Keeps things herby and cozy.
-
Red pepper flakes – Optional, but nice if you like a little kick.
-
Salt and black pepper – For balance.
-
Fresh parsley – Adds color and fresh taste at the end.
-
Lemon juice – Brightens the whole dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This step helps them brown instead of steaming.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Do not overcook here. They finish cooking later in the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Base
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Your kitchen should smell like happiness right now.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Flavor
Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 6: Bring Back the Shrimp
Return shrimp to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 7: Finish with Freshness
Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle stir.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Dinner is done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcooking shrimp. They turn rubbery fast. Keep an eye on them.
-
Using pre-minced garlic. Fresh garlic gives better flavor. IMO, it makes a big difference.
-
Letting the sauce boil hard. Gentle heat keeps it smooth and creamy.
-
Skipping seasoning. Salt brings the whole dish together.
-
Crowding the pan. Give shrimp space so they sear, not steam.
Alternatives & Substitutions
You can tweak this Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet to match your mood.
-
Swap shrimp with chicken breast or salmon.
-
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free needs.
-
Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
-
Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
-
Use ghee instead of butter for a different rich flavor.
This recipe loves flexibility.
Helpful & Expert Tips
-
Pat shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them brown.
-
Grate your own Parmesan. It melts smoother.
-
Use room-temperature cream cheese. It blends faster.
-
Add broth slowly. This keeps the sauce from thinning too much.
-
Double the sauce. You will want extra for drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet with:
-
Zucchini noodles
-
Steamed broccoli
-
Roasted asparagus
-
Keto bread for dipping
This dish also works great as a meal prep star.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving on high. Slow heat keeps shrimp tender.
Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp – juicy and quick to cook
- 1 tbsp olive oil – helps sear the shrimp
- 2 tbsp butter – adds rich flavor
- 4 garlic cloves minced – bold garlic taste
- 1 cup heavy cream – creamy base
- 4 oz cream cheese – thickens the sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan – salty cheesy flavor
- ½ cup chicken broth – smooth texture
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – herby flavor
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – light heat
- Salt and black pepper – balance
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – fresh finish
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley – color and freshness
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth, cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add Parmesan, seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Return shrimp to the pan and cook 2–3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 420 Fat: 34g Protein: 28g Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Gluten-free and keto-friendly.
FAQs on Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them fully and pat them dry first.
Is this recipe really keto?
Yes. It stays low in carbs and high in fats.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best.
Can I add veggies?
Yes. Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini fit well.
Does lemon juice matter?
Yes. It brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet
This Creamy Keto Garlic Shrimp Skillet brings big flavor without big effort. It cooks fast, cleans up easy, and fits a low-carb lifestyle. It also tastes like comfort food should.
You get creamy sauce, juicy shrimp, and garlic in every bite. That’s a win any night of the week.
Try it once. It might become your new favorite.
