Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
A Quick One-Pan Low-Carb Dinner Bursting with Louisiana Flavors
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
- Cost: $30-40
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet (12-inch cast iron preferred)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Alternative: Use a large non-stick pan if cast iron isn’t available
INGREDIENTS
Main Components
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound (450g) Andouille sausage, sliced [substitute: any smoked sausage]
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup (80ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
METHOD
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque – remove and set aside.
- Add sausage to same skillet, cook until browned (5-7 minutes) – remove.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, onions, and peppers. Cook 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping bottom of pan to deglaze.
- Stir in cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return shrimp and sausage to pan, heat through 2-3 minutes.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they’ll become rubbery.
- Let cream come to room temperature before adding.
- Visual Cue: Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before final step.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in skillet with splash of cream.
- Do not freeze – cream sauce will separate.
Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding the pan.
- Adding cold cream (causes curdling).
- Not patting shrimp dry before cooking.
Variations
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Use coconut cream for dairy-free version.
- Swap sausage for chicken for a lighter option.
Remember: The key to perfect Cajun cooking is layering flavors and not rushing the process. Let each component develop its flavor fully before moving to the next step.
