why make this recipe
This Low Carb Shrimp Scampi is fast, creamy, and light. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in minutes. If you like quick low-carb dinners, this recipe fits well and pairs with other low-carb options like a hearty low-carb sausage cauliflower soup for a full meal.
introduction
This shrimp scampi keeps carbs low by using cream and zucchini noodles instead of pasta. The garlic, butter, and lemon give strong flavor. You can make it in one skillet and serve right away. It is easy for weeknights and fine for guests.
how to make Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined before you start. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet. Cook garlic briefly so it stays bright. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, then add broth, cream, and lemon. Simmer until the sauce thickens and season to taste. For an extra protein plate, serve it with simple sides like low-carb BBQ kielbasa bites.
Ingredients :
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper to taste, Chopped parsley for garnish, Zucchini noodles or garlic bread for serving (optional)
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or garlic bread, garnished with chopped parsley.

how to serve Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
Serve hot over zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. You can also put it on cauliflower rice or with toasted low-carb garlic bread. Add chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon on top. A fresh side like a low-carb copycat Olive Garden salad brightens the plate.
how to store Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
Cool the scampi to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so the sauce does not split. Do not freeze cream-based scampi; the sauce can separate when thawed.
tips to make Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for even cooking.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long.
- Heat garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a little longer to reduce. If it is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- For a brighter taste, add extra lemon juice at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Toss in spinach at the end for more greens.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (it will be thinner).
- Use butter and garlic only for a classic scampi without cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw shrimp fully, pat dry, then cook. Thawed shrimp cook best.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. Use zucchini noodles or low-carb bread to keep it keto.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Replace butter with more olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Flavor will be slightly different.
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: About 15 minutes from start to finish if shrimp are ready.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use a larger skillet and adjust cooking time slightly, but don’t crowd the pan.
Conclusion
For a quick low-carb dinner that still feels rich and satisfying, this Shrimp Scampi works great. For another low-carb shrimp take on scampi, see this Easy Shrimp Scampi ⭐️ – Keto, Low Carb, Easy – i breathe im hungry.
Print
Low Carb Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A quick and creamy shrimp scampi made with zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Zucchini noodles or garlic bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or garlic bread, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for best results. Add red pepper flakes for heat or toss in spinach for more greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, low carb, keto, zucchini noodles, quick dinner