This quick, one-pan dinner features large shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices and sautéed with zucchini and red bell peppers. The dish is prepared with a combination of butter and olive oil to create a savory base that complements the smoky heat of the seasoning. The result is a high-protein, spicy meal that serves as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice-based shrimp dishes.

About This Recipe

To prepare the skillet, minced garlic and sliced vegetables are sautéed in butter and oil until they begin to soften. The shrimp are seasoned separately with a Cajun blend before being added to the pan, where they cook quickly until opaque and tender. Finishing the dish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley provides a necessary acidic brightness to balance the intense spices and rich butter.

The flavor relies on the combination of aromatic garlic and the complex heat of the Cajun seasoning. Using zucchini and bell peppers adds a mild sweetness and variety of textures that contrast with the savory shrimp. The shrimp are cooked at a high temperature for a short duration to reach a firm consistency while absorbing the smoky notes of the paprika and herbs within the spice blend.

The dish maintains its structure after refrigeration. The recipe can be adapted by substituting the shrimp with chicken or salmon, or by adjusting the amount of seasoning to control the heat level. This meal is best served hot, either on its own or paired with cauliflower rice for a structured and filling low-carb presentation.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Cajun Flavor: Smoky, spicy, and buttery all at once.
• Keto-Friendly: Only 4g net carbs per serving.
• Versatile: Serve alone, with cauliflower rice, or over zucchini noodles.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.

---

What You’ll Need for This Keto Cajun Shrimp Skillet

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

---

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Season shrimp with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
4. Add shrimp to skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Toss everything together and garnish with parsley.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

---

FAQ

• Can I use frozen shrimp?
  Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the skillet.
• Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
  It can be, depending on the blend. You can reduce the spice by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead of cayenne.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes—just swap butter for extra olive oil or coconut oil.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

---

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap shrimp for chicken or salmon.
• Use zucchini noodles instead of cauliflower rice.
• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Try blackened seasoning for a twist on Cajun flavor.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over cauliflower rice for a classic keto dinner.
• Pair with a side salad for a light, refreshing meal.
• Add zucchini noodles for a hearty, pasta-style version.
• Serve with roasted broccoli for extra fiber and crunch.

---

---

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!

Try these next:

• Keto Spicy Cajun Salmon with Creamy Spinach
• Keto Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Bowl

New keto recipes are added every week — check back often for more low-carb inspiration!