Keto Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp (Print Version)

Succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, served over zucchini noodles for a quick, flavorful Italian-inspired low-carb meal.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 1.5 cups fresh baby spinach
04 - 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

06 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
07 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Pantry & Seasonings

09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
11 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
12 - 0.5 tsp dried Italian herbs
13 - 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Extra grated Parmesan for serving

# Directions:

01 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is foaming.
03 - Add seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout. Transfer to a clean plate.
04 - Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
06 - Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously until cheese melts and sauce reaches desired thickness.
07 - Add fresh spinach to the cream sauce and cook, stirring gently, until just wilted, approximately 1 minute.
08 - Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to ensure even coating with the sauce.
09 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid prolonged cooking to maintain noodle texture.
10 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
11 - Divide evenly among serving bowls and garnish immediately with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve at once.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's faster than ordering delivery: Honestly, by the time your food arrives, you could have this plated and looking fancy on your table.
  • Tastes indulgent but keeps you honest: The cream sauce feels like you're cheating on keto, but the numbers don't lie.
  • One skillet, minimal cleanup: Everything happens in one place, which means more time enjoying dinner instead of scrubbing pans.
02 -
  • Timing is everything with zucchini noodles: Add them at the very end and keep the tossing minimal, otherwise they'll absorb liquid and become soggy within minutes.
  • Don't skimp on the initial shrimp sear: A proper sear on high heat creates a barrier that keeps them from overcooking and turning rubbery once they go back in the sauce.
  • The cream will thicken as it cools: It might look loose when it's at temperature, but once plated it'll firm up slightly, so don't overreduce it or you'll end up with something grainy.
03 -
  • Buy shrimp the day you plan to cook: Frozen works too, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry or you'll end up with poached shrimp instead of seared ones.
  • Make your zucchini noodles just before cooking: Fresh spiralized noodles stay crisp; noodles that have been sitting around absorb liquid and turn into sad mush.
  • Keep a squeeze of lemon on hand: A tiny squeeze at the very end brightens everything and makes the flavors pop without adding carbs.
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