If you are craving a delicious low-carb dinner that feels indulgent while keeping you on track, the Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender shrimp bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce and paired with crisp broccoli florets, this dish combines bold flavors and satisfying textures in the most delightful way. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet so rich and comforting that it’ll quickly become your go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the succulent shrimp to the creamy parmesan sauce, these simple components come together effortlessly for a mouthwatering keto meal.
- Olive Oil: Adds a beautiful fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing shrimp to a golden finish.
- Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and quick-cooking for a perfect seafood bite.
- Minced Garlic: Divided to build deep, aromatic garlicky flavor in both shrimp and broccoli.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps steam the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.
- Broccoli Florets: Keeps the dish fresh and vibrant with their satisfying crunch and bright color.
- Butter: Adds richness that elevates the sauce to creamy heaven.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The ketogenic creamy base that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Tomato Sauce: Offers subtle tang and color contrast without overwhelming the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for that unmistakable nutty, savory finish.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal notes like oregano and basil, perfect to round out the sauce.
How to Make Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot but not smoking. Season your peeled and deveined shrimp simply with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are beautifully browned and just cooked through. This quick sear locks in the shrimp’s natural sweetness and creates a delicate crust that’s positively irresistible.
Step 2: Build Garlic Flavor
Once the shrimp is almost done, toss in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. This short cook releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, infusing the shrimp with that unmistakable garlicky punch. Remove the shrimp and set them aside for the final assembly—this step ensures they stay tender and juicy.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Lower the heat to medium and pour chicken broth into the same skillet to deglaze, scraping up those flavorful bits left behind. Add the broccoli florets, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam in the broth. This method keeps the broccoli crisp yet tender and drenched with subtle umami. Once cooked to your preferred tenderness, stir in the remaining garlic to awaken the broccoli’s flavor and season with salt and pepper before setting aside.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Drop the butter into the skillet and allow it to melt gently. Then, add heavy whipping cream and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer this mixture until it thickens to a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and veggies.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Combine
The final touch is stirring in grated parmesan cheese, melting it into the sauce for that rich, savory finish. Return the shrimp and broccoli to the pan and toss everything together, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated with the garlicky, creamy sauce. This step melds all the elements perfectly and prepares your dish for the table.
How to Serve Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives to add a pop of green and a fresh herbal note. A little extra grated parmesan on top works wonders for presentation and flavor, too. If you’re feeling zesty, a light squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. These low-carb options won’t steal the spotlight but will add balance and crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, serve your shrimp and broccoli over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a handheld delight. You could also plate it alongside roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color that will have your guests asking for seconds. This dish is versatile and vibrant, making presentation just as fun as the cooking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This guarantees the rich, creamy sauce stays intact, and the shrimp remains tender without becoming rubbery.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the texture of cooked shrimp can become tough and the sauce may separate upon thawing, which affects flavor and mouthfeel. Instead, try to enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in a microwave at a reduced power setting. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking and to evenly warm the shrimp and broccoli without overcooking them.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from steaming them instead of sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is straightforward with simple steps, making it perfect for cooks of all levels who want a delicious, low-carb meal.
Can I substitute heavy whipping cream?
For best results, heavy whipping cream should be used as it contributes to the texture and flavor; however, full-fat coconut milk can be a non-dairy alternative but will slightly change the taste.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly—when they turn pink and opaque and curl slightly, they are perfectly done. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully!
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other keto-friendly veggies like zucchini or spinach to boost the nutrient profile and add more texture variation.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfectly keto-friendly, this Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is a must-try. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh ingredients and a creamy garlicky sauce that will have you smiling with every bite. Treat yourself and share this gem with friends—you’ll be delighted by how easy and satisfying a low-carb meal can be!
PrintKeto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
This Keto Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful low-carb meal perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. Succulent shrimp and tender broccoli florets are sautéed with garlic and simmered in a creamy tomato parmesan sauce infused with Italian seasoning. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a delicious and healthy option for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Ingredients
Shrimp and Veggies
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tsp Minced Garlic, divided
- 1/4 cup Chicken Broth
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/3 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sauté until they are browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add garlic to shrimp: Toss in 2 teaspoons of the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to infuse flavor. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth. Add the broccoli florets, cover the skillet, and simmer until broccoli is tender but still crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté remaining garlic with broccoli: Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove broccoli from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Season and thicken sauce: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Once heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk respectively, and use a vegan parmesan alternative.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor; frozen shrimp should be thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture; vegetable broth can be used for a pescatarian option.
- This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.
