Flavorful Keto Cajun Shrimp Skillet Ready in 25 Minutes

Name: Flavorful Keto Cajun Shrimp Skillet Ready in 25 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Author: lia

Published: October 15, 2025

Updated: October 18, 2025

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Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet saved my weeknight dinner routine. Picture this: spicy, smoky sausage and plump shrimp swimming in the most flavorful Cajun-spiced sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, meaning less cleanup (hallelujah!).

This dish has become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but still fits perfectly into my low-carb lifestyle. The bold flavors from that Cajun seasoning mixed with the sweetness of bell peppers and onions? Absolute magic. Trust me, even your non-keto friends will be begging for seconds—mine always do!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet - detail 1

This dish is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver—here’s why it’s never left my regular rotation:

One-pan wonder: From browning the sausage to simmering the shrimp, everything happens in a single skillet. Fewer dishes? Yes, please!
25 minutes flat: Perfect for those nights when you’re hangry and need something delicious now.
Bold, spicy flavor: That Cajun seasoning packs a punch (but you can tame it if needed).
Keto gold: Just 6g net carbs per serving, with all the richness that’ll make you forget you’re eating “diet food.”
Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day when those flavors really mingle.

Ingredients for Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed skillet (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way—don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end!):

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (I like 31/40 count for the perfect bite)
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into coins (andouille is my favorite for that authentic kick)
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil if you’re feeling fancy)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (see my notes below if you’re out!)
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color works—I use whatever’s on sale)
1 small onion, sliced (yellow or white both work great)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste—the sausage adds saltiness too)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for my fellow heat lovers)
1/4 cup chicken broth (water works too, but broth adds depth)
1 tbsp butter (the real stuff—it makes the sauce irresistible)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for that bright pop of color at the end)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No andouille? No problem! Here’s how to adapt:

Sausage: Kielbasa works beautifully, or use turkey sausage for less fat (just add extra Cajun seasoning to compensate).
Shrimp: Frozen shrimp are totally fine—just thaw in cold water first and pat dry. Smaller or larger shrimp work too; adjust cooking time by a minute or so.
Cajun seasoning: Make your own with 2 tsp paprika + 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme + 1/2 tsp cayenne. (Pssst—this blend is actually better than most store-bought versions!)
Vegetables: Throw in zucchini or mushrooms if you’ve got them—they’ll soak up all that delicious spice.

How to Make Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Okay, let’s get cooking! This skillet comes together so fast you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go before you turn on the heat. Here’s how I make it (with all my little tricks sprinkled in):

Brown that sausage first: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced sausage and let it get nice and crispy—about 3-4 minutes. Don’t stir too much! Those browned bits equal flavor gold. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sizzle the veggies: In that same glorious sausage-infused oil, toss in your bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re just starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Spice it up: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the veggies. Stir like crazy to coat everything evenly—those spices should bloom and get fragrant.
Shrimp time: Add your shrimp in a single layer if possible. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn pink and opaque. Watch closely—overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp.
Bring it all together: Return the sausage to the pan and give everything a good stir. Pour in the chicken broth and add that pat of butter. Let it bubble for about a minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything in glossy deliciousness.
Finish with flair: Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving. The bright green makes it look fancy, and the fresh flavor cuts through the richness perfectly.

Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet - detail 2

Pro Tips for the Best Skillet

My hard-earned lessons to save you from skillet disasters:

Don’t crowd the pan: If your skillet looks packed, cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding = steamed instead of seared.
Control the heat: If your spices start burning, lower the temp. Cajun seasoning can go from flavorful to bitter fast!
Taste as you go: The saltiness of sausage varies—adjust seasoning at the end if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

This skillet is a star on its own, but it’s even better with a few keto-friendly sides! I love serving it over a bed of cauliflower rice to soak up all that spicy sauce. Zucchini noodles or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette are perfect for keeping things light. Don’t forget that extra sprinkle of fresh parsley—it’s not just pretty, it adds a fresh pop of flavor!

Storage and Reheating

This skillet tastes best fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—just store them in an airtight container. When reheating, go low and slow! I zap it at 50% power in the microwave or warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the shrimp tender. (Trust me, high heat turns shrimp into little rubber bullets!) Freezing? Not ideal—the shrimp texture suffers, but the sausage and veggies freeze okay for up to a month if you’re desperate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the breakdown per serving (remember, estimates vary based on your exact ingredients): 380 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated), 26g protein, and just 6g net carbs. That butter and olive oil? They’re doing the keto work for you!

FAQs About Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw them in cold water first and pat them dry—wet shrimp won’t get that nice sear. I keep a bag in the freezer for last-minute skillet emergencies.

Is this recipe super spicy? It’s got a kick, but you’re in control! Start with half the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then taste and add more. The bell peppers and butter help balance the heat.

What if I can’t find andouille sausage? Kielbasa works great, or use any smoked sausage you love. Just bump up the Cajun seasoning a bit if your sausage is milder.

Can I make it ahead? The flavors actually deepen overnight! Store it covered in the fridge, then reheat gently—those shrimp stay perfect when warmed slowly with a splash of broth.

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