Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet – Quick One-Pan Dinner with Bold Flavor
This keto Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes with just one pan to clean.
KEY INFO
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Dietary tags: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free, Paleo (omit dairy), Whole30 compatible
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or cast iron pan (12-inch preferred)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Simple alternatives: Non-stick pan works fine, Dutch oven for larger batches
INGREDIENTS
Main Components:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) andouille sausage, sliced ½-inch thick (chicken sausage works too)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion (150g), sliced (substitute: green onions for milder flavor)
- 1½ cups (180g) bell peppers, sliced (mix of red and green)
- 1 medium zucchini (200g), sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup (80ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (substitute: coconut cream for dairy-free)
Seasonings:
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
METHOD
I learned this technique after ruining countless batches of rubbery shrimp. The secret is cooking each component separately, then bringing everything together at the end.
- Pat shrimp completely dry and season with half the Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage slices in single layer. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the same pan. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5 minutes until softening but still crisp.
- Add zucchini (if using) and cook 2 minutes more.
- Push vegetables to one side. Add garlic to empty space, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add seasoned shrimp to pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Don’t overcook – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Return sausage to pan. Gently fold everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce lightly coats everything.
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning – you might need more salt or a pinch of cayenne.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t crowd the pan – cook in batches if needed for proper browning
- Watch the shrimp closely – they go from perfect to rubber in seconds
- Use room temperature cream – cold cream can break the sauce
- Taste your sausage first – some brands are saltier than others
Storage & Scaling:
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Reheating: Gentle stovetop warming with splash of broth (never microwave the shrimp)
- Double the recipe: Use two pans or cook in batches
- Meal prep friendly: Store sauce separately from proteins
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Adding cream while heat is too high (causes curdling)
- Cooking shrimp longer than 6 minutes total
- Skipping the fond-scraping step (that’s where the flavor lives)
Variations:
Dairy-Free Cajun Skillet:
Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use ghee instead of butter.
Extra Spicy Version:
Add diced jalapeño with the vegetables and bump cayenne to ½ teaspoon.
Veggie-Packed Option:
Throw in asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes during step 5.
The first time I made this dish, I was skeptical about the cream mixing with Cajun spices. But that creamy, spicy sauce coating perfectly cooked shrimp changed my mind completely. My family now requests this at least twice a month.
This keto Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet proves you don’t need rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner. The combination of smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and bold spices creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready faster than delivery.
Every bite delivers that perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Plus, with only one pan to wash, you’ll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time cleaning up.
