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Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and delicious meal featuring juicy shrimp, tender zucchini, and roasted peppers in a velvety garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free dinner. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a date-night feast, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 lb medium shrimp (thawed if frozen), peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup roasted peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
½ cup white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Add the zucchini and roasted peppers, cooking until tender-crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine or broth, letting it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), bring to a simmer, and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs (if using) and serve immediately over cauliflower rice or with crusty bread.

Nutrients

Calories: 300-350 per serving
Carbohydrates: 10-12g
Fat: 20-25g
Protein: 25-30g
Fiber: 2-3g

This Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is a perfect, light, yet satisfying dish that’s both low-carb and incredibly flavorful—ideal for those looking for a quick gourmet meal!

Why Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is a Must-Try

What makes this dish so irresistible is its balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are perfectly seared, tender, and juicy, while the zucchini and roasted peppers add a delightful crunch and slight sweetness. The garlic cream sauce ties everything together, making it rich and comforting without being overly heavy. With just a touch of Cajun seasoning (optional) and a splash of white wine or broth, this dish has a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

In addition to its flavor, Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste, and it’s a great way to get in your daily veggies while still enjoying a rich, flavorful meal. Plus, with its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect option for a no-fuss, gourmet dinner.

The Key Ingredients in Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal without requiring any complicated cooking techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Shrimp: Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the star protein in this dish. They cook quickly, becoming juicy and tender while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Zucchini and Roasted Peppers: These vegetables bring freshness and texture to the dish. The zucchini becomes tender and slightly crisp, while the roasted peppers add sweetness and smokiness to the flavor profile.
Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Minced garlic adds an aromatic base to the sauce, while the Cajun seasoning (optional) brings a subtle heat and spice that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: This helps deglaze the pan and forms the base of the sauce. The wine or broth adds an extra layer of richness and complexity.
Heavy Cream (or Coconut Milk for Dairy-Free Option): Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. For those following a dairy-free diet, coconut milk is a great alternative that still provides a creamy texture.
Fresh Herbs for Garnishing (Optional): Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the dish’s appearance and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

This one-pan meal is quick and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it:

Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced zucchini and roasted peppers, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the liquid reduce for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with fresh herbs (if desired). You can serve it over cauliflower rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s an ideal weeknight meal when you want something quick and flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The dish also works well for special occasions or a date night when you want to serve something impressive yet easy. The combination of shrimp and vegetables in a creamy sauce offers both indulgence and nutrition, making it a great choice for those on a keto or low-carb diet.

Additionally, this dish can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary needs. By swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk, you can make it dairy-free, and it’s naturally gluten-free, so it works for a wide range of guests. The quick prep time and one-pan cooking method also mean minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy nights or for entertaining guests.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp can be used, fresh shrimp will have a better texture and flavor. Make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Customize the Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to the skillet, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, depending on your preferences.
Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: If you’re using coconut milk as a dairy-free option, opt for the full-fat version to ensure a rich, creamy sauce.
Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and vegetables, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, quickly heat everything in the skillet and add the cream sauce for a fast meal.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet

Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and flavorful. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich garlic cream sauce, this dish delivers both comfort and sophistication in one pan. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, a keto-friendly meal, or just a delicious, easy recipe to impress your family and friends, this skillet dish is a winner. Ready in just 30 minutes and bursting with flavor, Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is a must-try!

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