Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Craving a quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy low-carb meal? This Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is your answer. Ready in just about 20 minutes, this one-pan wonder combines spicy, savory sausage with tender, juicy shrimp and crisp vegetables. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without compromising your keto goals. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

We designed this recipe to be a staple in your low-carb rotation. The smoky notes of the sausage perfectly complement the sweetness of the shrimp, while a kick of Cajun seasoning ties everything together. It’s a complete meal that tastes like you ordered it from a restaurant but is simple enough for any home cook to master.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate, this entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes.
• One-Pan Meal: All the cooking happens in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
• Packed with Flavor: With smoked sausage, garlic, and Cajun spices, this dish is anything but bland.
• Perfectly Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, it fits seamlessly into your ketogenic lifestyle.

The Key Ingredients

The magic of this skillet comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work well; just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely.
• Smoked Sausage: Opt for a keto-friendly smoked sausage, like andouille or kielbasa. Always check the label to ensure there are no hidden sugars.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds color, texture, and essential nutrients without adding significant carbs.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish, providing a deep, savory foundation.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables. You can also use avocado oil.
• Cajun Seasoning: This is the star spice blend. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for full control over the salt and spice levels.
• Chicken Broth: A small amount helps deglaze the pan and create a light sauce that coats every ingredient.

How to Make the Perfect Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Making this keto shrimp and sausage recipe is as simple as it gets. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
5. Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot, directly from the skillet.

Tips for Success

Unlock the full potential of your skillet with these expert tips. For more inspiration on one-pot meals, you might enjoy this flavorful Italian sausage orzo recipe (coming soon).

Choosing the Right Sausage

The type of sausage you choose can make a big difference. Look for a high-quality, fully-cooked smoked sausage like Andouille for a spicy Cajun kick or a classic Kielbasa for a milder, smoky flavor. Most importantly, read the nutrition label to ensure it’s low in carbs and free of added sugars to keep the dish keto-friendly.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

The key to tender, succulent shrimp is to cook them quickly over high heat. Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. As soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.

Getting a Good Sear

For the best flavor, don’t overcrowd the pan. Ensure your skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the sausage. This allows the sausage to get a beautiful brown crust, which adds a deep, savory flavor to the entire dish. This technique is similar to how you’d prepare sheet pan sausage dishes for maximum flavor.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins

While this Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!

• Make it Creamy: After the shrimp is cooked, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or chopped asparagus make excellent low-carb additions. Add them with the bell peppers.
• Turn Up the Heat: If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Serve with a Base: Serve the skillet over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s a great alternative to traditional dishes like our garlic butter shrimp pasta.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately, straight from the skillet, to enjoy the perfect texture of the shrimp and vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Recipes to Try

We hope you love this Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet as much as we do! It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly delicious. If you make this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!

Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Recipe

Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

This Keto Shrimp and Sausage Skillet is a one-pan wonder, ready in just 20 minutes! Packed with spicy sausage, tender shrimp, and fresh vegetables, it's the perfect low-carb meal for any busy weeknight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 12 oz Smoked Sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa) sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 Red Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
• 1/2 Yellow Onion chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning use a sugar-free blend
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet (Cast-Iron Recommended)
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Knife

Instructions

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the raw shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and fully cooked. Avoid overcooking.
5. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Sausage Choice: Ensure your sausage is keto-friendly by checking the label for added sugars or carbs.
Don't Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to allow the ingredients to sear rather than steam.
Meal Prep: You can chop the vegetables and slice the sausage ahead of time to make this meal even faster.