Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan (Low Carb) Recipe

Quick & Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan Low Carb Recipe

Creamy garlic shrimp captures the essence of indulgent seafood dining without compromising health-conscious goals.

Succulent ocean protein meets rich, velvety sauce in this delectable culinary creation.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Low-carb enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful balance of ingredients that maximize taste while minimizing unnecessary starches.

Elegant yet simple, this dish reimagines ordinary weeknight meals into restaurant-quality experiences.

Cheese and garlic combine to elevate the natural sweetness of perfectly cooked shellfish.

The result is a harmonious blend of textures and robust seasonings that satisfy deeply.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp and Balanced Cream

  • Perfectly Sear Shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without releasing excess moisture.
  • Control Garlic Intensity: Mince garlic finely and cook just until fragrant to prevent burning and avoid bitter flavors.
  • Achieve Silky Sauce: Whisk cream slowly and steadily to prevent separation and create a smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy meat that doesn't become rubbery.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Best Way to Store and Reheat This Low-Carb Meal

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
  • Gentle Reheating: Warm the shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain the creamy sauce's texture.
  • Quality Tip: Consume refrigerated shrimp quickly to preserve the best flavor and prevent seafood from becoming rubbery or losing its delicate taste.

Side Ideas That Work with Creamy Shrimp

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the creamy garlic sauce, balancing the shrimp's delicate flavor with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil provides a perfect crunchy companion, soaking up the decadent parmesan sauce while adding textural contrast.
  • Match with Light Salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the creamy shrimp, cleansing the palate between rich bites and adding nutritional balance.
  • Serve with Zucchini Noodles: Low-carb zucchini spirals make an excellent base, mirroring the recipe's health-conscious approach while providing a fresh, light foundation for the succulent shrimp.

Ideas to Vary the Seasoning or Cheese

  • Spicy Southwest Shrimp Skillet: Replace parsley with chopped cilantro, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick. Serve over cauliflower rice for an extra low-carb option.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine instead of chicken broth. Top with crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Coconut Curry Shrimp Fusion: Swap cream with coconut milk, add curry powder, and mix in some ginger. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted unsweetened coconut flakes for an exotic flavor profile.
  • Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Increase garlic, add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce. Reduce cream slightly and finish with fresh dill for a lighter, more citrusy interpretation.

Why Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan Is Low Carb and Delicious

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers intense garlic and seafood taste in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
  • Enjoy Protein-Packed Low Carb Delight: The dish offers a healthy alternative for fitness enthusiasts and keto dieters, providing high-protein shrimp in a creamy, satisfying sauce without excess carbohydrates.
  • Experience Versatile Serving Options: Flexible serving suggestions like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables make this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences and meal styles, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious dinner.

Ingredients for a Rich Garlic-Parmesan Shrimp Dish

Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that creates the main protein of the dish, best when fresh or quickly thawed.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce, low-sodium version recommended for better control of saltiness.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing and creating a creamy sauce, unsalted butter preferred for better seasoning control.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and silky texture in the sauce, full-fat version ensures best consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense, warm flavor to the sauce, fresh garlic cloves recommended.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light, fresh taste as a garnish.
Oils and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing shrimp, provides subtle flavor and prevents sticking.

How to Cook Shrimp in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

  • Clean and pat dry shrimp
  • Season shrimp with salt and black pepper
  • Set aside on a clean plate

Step 2: Sear Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked

Transfer shrimp to a separate bowl

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter

Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic

Pour chicken broth into skillet

Scrape bottom of pan to release flavorful browned bits

Reduce liquid by half

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low

Pour heavy cream into skillet

Stir gently and bring to a soft simmer

Season with additional salt and pepper

Step 5: Finish Sauce

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely

Allow sauce to thicken naturally

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return seared shrimp to skillet

Gently fold shrimp into sauce

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley

Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables

Print
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan (Low Carb) Recipe

Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan (Low Carb) Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy garlic shrimp with parmesan brings Mediterranean coastal flavors directly to home kitchens. Quick and elegant low-carb perfection combines succulent shrimp, rich garlic sauce, and nutty parmesan cheese that will make dinner feel like a gourmet experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp (tails on or off)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) reduced-fat cream
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large skillet by warming olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal surface for searing seafood.
  2. Delicately season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor enhancement.
  3. Carefully sear the shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and achieve perfect doneness. Promptly transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate bowl.
  4. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface for roughly 30 seconds.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to deglaze and lift any caramelized remnants from the pan’s bottom, intensifying the sauce’s depth.
  6. Reduce the liquid by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich foundation for the upcoming creamy sauce.
  7. Reduce heat to low-medium and gently incorporate cream, stirring periodically to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
  8. Season the developing sauce with additional salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  9. Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, allowing it to melt completely and thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
  10. Reintroduce the previously cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the velvety parmesan sauce.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a final burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
  12. Serve immediately over your preferred accompaniment such as cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete, low-carb meal.

Notes

  • Quick preparation ensures succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp without becoming rubbery or tough.
  • High-heat searing locks in incredible flavor and creates beautiful golden-brown edges on each shrimp.
  • Chicken broth helps deglaze the pan, capturing every delicious caramelized bit from cooking surfaces.
  • Cream and parmesan create a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the tender seafood.
  • Low-carb option allows serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for health-conscious diners.
  • Fresh parsley adds bright color and a subtle herbal freshness to complete the dish’s rich profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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