25-Minute Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet – Irresistible Low Carb Feast

Oh, let me tell you about my weeknight lifesaver—this Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet! Picture this: It’s 6 PM, I’m starving, and I need something bold, fast, and low-carb. That’s when this beauty comes to the rescue. One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and 25 minutes later? Boom—spicy, smoky perfection. I first fell for Cajun flavors during a chaotic family trip to New Orleans, and now I keep a jar of homemade seasoning just for moments like these. Trust me, even on your busiest nights, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the carb guilt.

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

This dish has been my go-to for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:

• Crazy fast – Done in 25 minutes flat, even when I’m dragging after work
• Zero carb guilt – All that Cajun flavor without the usual rice or bread
• One-pan magic – More flavor, less dishes (my least favorite chore!)
• Flexible heat level – I make mine spicy, but you can dial it back
• Meal prep hero – Tastes even better next day for lunch

Honestly? It’s the dish I make when I want to impress but don’t want to try hard. The colors alone make people think I slaved for hours!

Ingredients for Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor-packed skillet – and trust me, every ingredient matters:

• 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined (leave tails on for pretty presentation if you’re feeling fancy)
• 12 oz smoked sausage – sliced into 1/4″ coins (I use Andouille when I can find it)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – or avocado oil for higher heat
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning – homemade or store-bought (watch the salt content!)
• 1 bell pepper – diced (I love using red for color)
• 1 small onion – diced (yellow works best here)
• 2 cloves garlic – minced (fresh only – no jarred stuff!)
• 1/2 tsp salt – adjust to your taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked
• 1/4 cup chicken broth – to deglaze that flavorful pan
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens everything up
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (save some for garnish)

Pro tip: Prep everything before heating the skillet – this cooks FAST once you start!

Equipment Needed

Here’s all you’ll need to make this easy one-pan wonder:

• Large skillet – My trusty 12-inch cast iron works perfectly
• Sharp knife & cutting board – For prepping those veggies and sausage
• Measuring spoons – To nail the seasoning balance

That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just the basics every kitchen should have.

How to Make Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Okay, let’s get cooking! This skillet comes together so fast you’ll want everything prepped and ready before turning on the heat. I’ve burned my garlic more times than I’d like to admit rushing around mid-cook!

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat your olive oil in that trusty skillet over medium-high heat – you want it shimmering but not smoking. Toss in your sliced sausage and listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let those coins brown nicely for about 3 minutes, stirring just once or twice. We’re building flavor here, so don’t rush this step. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges get slightly crispy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Now dump in your diced bell pepper and onion – the colors alone make me happy! Stir them around with the sausage, scraping up any browned bits (that’s flavor gold). After about 2 minutes, add the minced garlic. Watch it closely – garlic burns in a heartbeat! The whole veggie mix should soften in about 4 minutes total.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Shrimp

Sprinkle your Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir like crazy to coat every bite evenly – nobody wants a bland spot! Now nestle those shrimp into the mixture. They’ll cook fast – just about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get rubbery!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Lemon

Pour in your chicken broth and lemon juice – it’ll hiss and steam dramatically (my favorite part!). Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes so the flavors marry. The liquid will reduce slightly, creating a light sauce that clings to every bite. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley and serve immediately while it’s piping hot!

Tips for Perfect Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Here are my hard-earned secrets for nailing this dish every single time:

• Control the heat – Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re unsure – you can always add more at the end!
• Sausage shortcut – Pre-cooked smoked sausage = faster prep (but fresh is worth it when you have time)
• Shrimp watch – They cook in a blink! Remove the skillet from heat when they’re just pink to avoid rubbery texture
• Veggie prep – Dice everything uniformly so it cooks evenly (I learned this the hard way!)
• Lemon trick – Add an extra squeeze at the end for brightness if flavors seem flat

Remember – this dish forgives mistakes, so don’t stress! Even my “oops” versions taste amazing.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

This skillet shines on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it: piled high over cauliflower rice (my lazy hack? Frozen riced cauliflower sautéed in butter). For crunch, add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes I’ll throw in some roasted okra if I’m feeling extra Southern!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the scoop on leftovers – if you have any! Store this beauty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always go for the skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to revive those flavors. Microwave works in a pinch (about 1 minute), but watch those shrimp – they toughen fast!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads up – nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. But for my standard recipe, each generous serving comes out to about: 320 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated), 26g protein, and just 6g net carbs. Not bad for something this flavorful, right? Always double check your labels if you’re tracking macros closely!

FAQ About Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most about this spicy skillet:

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! I’ve made this with diced chicken thighs when shrimp weren’t available. Just cook the chicken first (about 5-6 minutes) before adding the veggies. The smokiness from the sausage still makes it amazing.

Is this dish super spicy?

It’s as spicy as you want! The Cajun seasoning packs heat, but you control how much goes in. Start with 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon if you’re sensitive. My kids like it with just a pinch!

What’s the best sausage to use?

Andouille sausage is traditional, but any smoked sausage works. I’ve used kielbasa in a pinch – still delicious! Just avoid raw sausages that need longer cooking.

Can I make this ahead?

You bet! The flavors actually deepen overnight. Just reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender. I often double the recipe for easy lunches.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

No worries! Water works fine, or use shrimp stock if you’ve got it. The lemon juice and seasonings still give plenty of flavor.

Share Your Experience

Made this skillet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your kitchen adventures.

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