Keto Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Bowl is a rich, smoky, high-flavor dinner with tender shrimp simmered in a creamy chipotle sauce and served over low-carb veggies. This easy bowl-style meal is perfect for anyone wanting bold flavor while keeping carbs low, making it ideal for keto weeknights.
About This Recipe
This Keto Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Bowl delivers a bold combination of smoky chipotle heat, bright citrus, and rich creaminess that makes every bite stand out. The shrimp cook quickly, staying tender and juicy while the sauce thickens around them, creating a restaurant-quality flavor without any complicated steps. The bowl is designed to feel satisfying and layered with textures, giving you a complete low-carb meal in one serving.
The chipotle cream sauce brings the perfect balance of spice and richness, blending chipotle peppers in adobo with heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of lime for freshness. This creates a velvety base that coats the shrimp beautifully and pairs incredibly well with the low-carb vegetables underneath. Instead of rice, the bowl uses zucchini ribbons or cauliflower rice, both of which absorb the sauce without adding unnecessary carbs, making the dish flavorful and keto-friendly.
Another advantage of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Shrimp cook rapidly, and the chipotle sauce forms in minutes, eliminating the need for long simmering or multiple pans. You can adjust the heat level easily by increasing or reducing the amount of chipotle, allowing the dish to fit your personal spice preference while keeping the same creamy consistency.
This bowl is also extremely versatile. You can customize the base with sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, or additional zucchini without affecting the keto profile. The flavors stay consistent, and the creamy chipotle sauce ties everything together. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a fast dinner, this dish offers a satisfying, low-carb solution that feels indulgent while still aligning with keto goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold smoky chipotle flavor without being overpowering
- Super quick to cook — shrimp are done in minutes
- Creamy sauce that feels rich and satisfying
- Perfect low-carb bowl for busy weeknights
- Easily adjustable spice level
- One-pan cooking and minimal cleanup
- Works great with zucchini, cauliflower rice, or mixed veggies
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely minced
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or ribboned (or 3 cups cauliflower rice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Sauté 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and smoked paprika, stirring until smooth.
- Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the pan and coat in the sauce.
- Stir in lime juice and remove from heat.
- Serve over zucchini ribbons or cauliflower rice and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Net Carbs: 6g
FAQ
- Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, diced chicken breast works well; just cook it fully before adding the sauce. - Is this dish very spicy?
It has mild to medium heat, but you can reduce chipotle for a softer flavor. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Not recommended since the creamy sauce depends on heavy cream. - Does it reheat well?
Yes, but warm it gently so the sauce stays smooth. - Can I freeze it?
Freezing is possible, though dairy may separate slightly when thawed. - What sides go best with it?
Cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or zucchini noodles keep it perfectly keto.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap shrimp for chicken or salmon
- Add sautéed peppers for extra volume
- Use cauliflower rice instead of zucchini
- Increase chipotle for more heat
- Add a bit of shredded cheese for extra richness
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with lime-dressed cabbage slaw
- Pair with roasted broccoli
- Add avocado slices for creaminess
- Serve in a bowl with mixed sautéed veggies
Keto Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 –2 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 zucchinis (spiralized or 3 cups cauliflower rice)
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in skillet.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side; remove.
- Add garlic, chipotle, adobo; sauté 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and smoked paprika.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Add shrimp back and coat in sauce.
- Add lime juice and serve over veggies with cilantro.
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!
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