Packed with vegetables and shrimp this Keto Shrimp Primavera is rich and satisfying. This is the perfect way to add more fresh veggies to your daily diet while sticking to your low carb needs. If you're craving a fast and delicious keto dinner recipe, you're going to LOVE this easy dish.
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My husband and I went to a dinner recently that had a buffet line. It is pretty hard to stay gluten free at those type of events so I just did the best I could. One of the options was pasta with shrimp primavera. It had linguine, shrimp, and veggies in a cream sauce. It looked amazing.
I asked for the woman serving to just give me shrimp and veggies and she was happy to. Later on everyone was invited up for seconds and we were able to serve ourselves. I made sure no one was looking and I picked most of the shrimp out of that pasta dish.
I've been wanting more since that night. I knew I was going to do shrimp in a similar sauce but with enough veggies to replace the pasta. My version had to be low carb, grain and gluten free, and friendly for the Trim Healthy Mama diet.
The frozen shrimp caught my eye in the grocery store last week and I knew it was time. I had all the veggies and the sauce ingredients already. I just needed the shrimp. And since two of the kids were going to be at grandma's house there were more shrimp to go around.
When I had the shrimp cooking and asked my husband to grate the cheese he looked at me oddly and said, "cheese with seafood?" Ummm.. yes! Two bites into dinner he changed his tune and was singing the praises of this simple dish.
Speaking of low carb, make sure to check out my Low Carb Cinnamon Roll Cake that would be an awesome finish to eating this simple shrimp meal.
Ingredients:
Shrimp - Make sure to get shrimp that is already deveined and ready to eat.
Onion - Choose whatever type of onion that you'd like but make sure to slice it thin.
Pepper - Bell peppers work great for this recipe. I like to use a red bell pepper so that it adds a pop of color and a tad bit sweeter taste.
Broccoli - I always wash my head of broccoli in a large pot and then cut it into florets.
Zucchini - Clean the zucchini and slice it. Make sure that you don't peel it.
Butter - Adding the butter adds a nice richness to the recipe.
Freshly grated cheese - I used asiago but parmesan cheese would work too.
Heavy cream - You'll love the creaminess that the heavy cream adds once you stir it in.
Gluccomannan - Optional, used to thicken the sauce.
How to Make Keto Shrimp Primavera
My Creamy Shrimp Primavera is cooked in three stages in the same pan to keep the dirty dishes to a minimum. When you can use the same skillet for everything, why wouldn't you?
Step One: Cook the veggies, remove them to a serving bowl.
Step Two: Cook the shrimp, add to the veggies in the serving bowl.
Step Three: Simmer the sauce for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step Four: Add back the veggies and shrimp. Put all in the serving bowl.
Variations
There are so many great variations that you can make with this low carb shrimp recipe!
Add more vegetables - You can never have too many veggies. Adding in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, shredded carrots, and even some peas can be great options to increase the nutritional value.
Spice - If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes, minced garlic, or chili powder to your serving.
Lemon juice - For a nice citrus boost, squeeze some lemon juice or lemon zest on top.
Common Questions
What does Primavera mean in cooking?
The word Primavera literally means "spring" which is perfect for this light dish. The addition of the vegetables helps it to have that spring and summer flavor.
How do you know when shrimp is done cooking?
When shrimp are cooked all the way, they'll start to curl and turn pink in color.
How do you know if you've overcooked shrimp?
Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery in texture and will actually shrimp up to be pretty small in size. They may also not be as bright as pink if you've cooked them too long. Most people will actually overcook their shrimp if they have leftovers and reheat it. Pay close attention and slowly warm up the shrimp so that you're not hitting it with too much power.
Love shrimp? Also, try my Keto Coconut Shrimp and Keto Shrimp Scampi!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp thawed
- 1 onion peeled and sliced
- 1 pepper sliced
- 1 small head of broccoli cut into florets
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup freshly grated cheese I used asiago but parmesan would work too
- â…“ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium heat cook the onions and peppers until softened. Add the broccoli and zucchini. Cover and cook over medium low for ten minutes or until the broccoli is tender. Remove the veggies from the frying pan and put them in a medium sized serving bowl.
- Return the frying pan to the stove and cook the shrimp over medium heat until curled up and pink. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the veggies.
- Return the frying pan to the stove and add the butter, cream, and cheese. Cook until the cheese melts. Sprinkle the gluccomannan over the top and whisk in, if using, to thicken the sauce.
- Return the shrimp and veggies to the frying pan and gently fold them into the sauce. Put into individual bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally Published May 13, 2016. Revised and Republished April 4, 2022.
Kim Smith says
I would love to cook this recipe. But, I dont understand what to do about the shell and tail of the shrimp??!!. Can someone spell it out for me? Please. Thanks.
Taryn says
I buy raw shrimp that do not have a shell. I cook with the tail on and then you take the tail off when eating them.
Kim Smith says
Thank you!!!
Dana Ashley says
It's really easy... I twist the tail off of the raw shrimp and then working from the back of the shrimp peel the shell right off.
CJ says
I just found this recipe and made it. All I can say isn’t WOW!! I really like it. I just started low carb and shrimp and Alfredo are my favorite. So combining the two was great!
Karen W says
I am printing this off and plan to make very soon. I'm gathering some low carb recipes that sound and look good before I take the big leap. Wish me well. Thank you!
Taryn says
Good luck! Low carb is easier than you think. There are so many amazing recipes out there.
Cynthia says
I cant find the carb totals on the recipes. Can you help me out please.
Taryn says
I just added a nutrition box to this one. It has 5 net carbs and 4 servings.
Dana Ashley says
I LOVED it but not the Gluccie so much. Textures of foods never bother me but that got a little 'snotty' and I think I will skip it when I make it again. Thank you!
Beth Poplin says
Wow, I am an Alfredo addict. This was so great & easy. I'm still amazed that it is an on plan meal. Thanks!
Kimberly says
This was amazing! I didn't have peppers so I omited those. I also used parmesan and mozzerella cheese because thats what I had. This recipe is my favorite now 🙂 thanks for sharing it
Taryn says
I'm glad you liked it! We love shrimp. I want to try this with chicken for a more budget friendly meal.