Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo : A Creamy Keto Classic for Healthy Living

Looking for a delicious, satisfying, and low carb dinner recipe that won’t leave you feeling deprived? This Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo recipe checks every box: it’s rich, creamy, and packed with protein—yet light enough for those following a keto lifestyle, diabetic diet, or simply trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

If you love dishes like our Creamy Mushroom Pasta or crave something comforting like One Pan Ground Chicken Casserole, this shrimp Alfredo recipe brings both comfort and wellness to your plate.

Save

Why This Easy Shrimp Alfredo Is Perfect for Low Carb Eating

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. It’s not just easy shrimp Alfredo—it’s tailored to your nutritional goals. With no pasta and zero flour, you get a creamy, luscious sauce wrapped around juicy shrimp without the guilt.

Low carb eating is known to stabilize blood sugar levels, boost energy, and even support weight loss. If you’re looking for healthy recipes for diabetics, this dish delivers a satisfying, high-protein meal that skips the carb overload traditional Alfredo dishes often bring.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Shrimp Alfredo

This dish uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles as your low-carb base

Want to get creative? Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more flavor. You can also try pairing it with roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

How to Make Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
4. Combine: Add shrimp back into the pan, coating it well with the sauce.
5. Serve: Spoon over your favorite low-carb noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Save

The Secret to a Thick, Creamy Alfredo Sauce Without Carbs

Traditional Alfredo sauces use flour as a thickener, but in this keto shrimp recipe, we skip the flour entirely. Heavy cream and grated Parmesan do all the heavy lifting. Simmer the sauce gently and allow the cheese to melt fully—no starchy thickeners needed.

Bonus tip: For an even richer flavor, try incorporating a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone, similar to our Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread.

Choosing the Right Shrimp: Tips for Flavor and Texture

Always use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. They remain juicy and firm after cooking. If possible, opt for wild-caught shrimp for better texture and cleaner taste. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid watering down your sauce.

Keto Shrimp Recipes: Why This One Stands Out

While many keto shrimp recipes lean heavily on bacon, cheese, or overly rich ingredients, this low carb shrimp Alfredo balances flavor and nutrition. It’s creamy without being greasy, and indulgent without weighing you down.

Other keto-friendly favorites include Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken and Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes if you want to expand your low carb seafood options.

Healthy Recipes for Diabetics: Is This Shrimp Alfredo a Good Fit?

Absolutely. This meal is packed with protein and healthy fats, both of which help stabilize blood sugar. With no pasta, no sugar, and very few carbs per serving, it’s an ideal option for those looking for healthy recipes for diabetics.

Low Carb Alfredo Pasta Alternatives to Try

There are plenty of low-carb noodle substitutes that work beautifully with this dish:

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles): light and refreshing
• Spaghetti squash: slightly sweet and stringy like pasta
• Shirataki noodles: ultra-low carb and chewy
• Cabbage ribbons: hearty and surprisingly pasta-like

Or serve it on a bed of steamed broccoli, just like we do in our Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls.

Add-ins and Variations: Make It Your Own

Here are some delicious add-in ideas:

• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
• Bacon crumbles for added crunch
• Roasted garlic for depth of flavor

If you love fall flavors, serve it with a side of Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups for a savory-sweet contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Shrimp Alfredo

1. Overcooking shrimp: They cook fast—just a couple minutes per side.
2. Boiling the sauce: Keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid separation.
3. Using pre-grated cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and avoids clumping.
4. Adding shrimp too early: Wait until the sauce is done, then add the shrimp back in.

How to Meal Prep and Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

You can also freeze the sauce separately from the shrimp and reheat as needed. This dish makes for a perfect make-ahead dinner like our Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Ideas

Serve this creamy shrimp Alfredo with one of these tasty low-carb sides:

• Cucumber Dill Salad
• Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
• Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
• Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Or keep it simple with a crisp green salad and olive oil vinaigrette.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Low Carb Dinner Recipe

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife for prepping garlic and herbs
• Vegetable spiralizer (if using zoodles)
• Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan
• Tongs for handling shrimp

Having the right tools makes all the difference in preparing quick, healthy meals.

Save

FAQs About Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo and Keto Shrimp Recipes

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap in unsweetened coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free option.

How many carbs per serving?
This depends on your noodle base, but the sauce and shrimp alone have less than 5g net carbs per serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely. This Alfredo sauce works well with chicken, or even salmon, just like our Creamy Tuscan Salmon.

Final Thoughts: A Healthy Low Carb Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again

This Low Carb Shrimp Alfredo is more than just a quick weeknight meal—it’s a restaurant-quality dish that aligns perfectly with your health goals. Whether you’re managing diabetes, reducing carbs, or following keto, this creamy Alfredo is satisfying without the starch.

Pair it with any of our healthy dinner recipes for a balanced meal you’ll feel good about. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the carb-heavy original.

Print