Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

The savory blend of garlic, shrimp, and broccoli comes together in a creamy, satisfying skillet dish that’s surprisingly quick and easy. With just one pan and fifteen minutes, this keto-friendly recipe is your go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet light. Cream cheese gives the sauce a velvety texture, while fresh basil, arugula, and a sprinkle of Parmesan elevate the flavor to gourmet status. Whether you’re watching your carbs or just love clean, whole food, this dish will leave your taste buds dancing.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 Tbsp cream cheese

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1/2 cup arugula

• 1/2 tsp crushed pepper (optional)

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

• Handful of olives (optional)

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Handful fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and broccoli and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add minced garlic, chopped tomato, lemon juice, and crushed pepper (if using). Stir in the cream cheese until well blended and creamy.

3. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, then stir in arugula and fresh basil.

4. Turn off the heat and top the dish with grated Parmesan, ground black pepper, and olives if desired. Add salt to taste, though it may not be needed.

5. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 381 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli: A One-Pan Keto Favorite

In the world of fast, flavorful, and health-conscious cooking, few meals check all the boxes quite like Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli. This creamy, savory, and satisfying dish is not just a delight to the taste buds—it’s also incredibly simple to make and perfectly suited for anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.

Whether you’re short on time, looking to reduce carbs, or just want a wholesome dinner that won’t leave you feeling heavy, this shrimp and broccoli combo is a winning solution.

A Little Background: How This Recipe Came to Be

The idea behind this dish was inspired by the clean, wholesome principles of keto cooking, with a touch of indulgence added through creamy textures and bold garlic flavors. The concept was adapted from popular keto chicken dishes, but instead of using poultry, we’ve elevated the experience by using tender, juicy shrimp, which cook faster and bring a unique briny sweetness.

This dish is a modern twist on classic garlic shrimp—a recipe found across Mediterranean and Asian cuisines—now tailored to suit keto diets without compromising taste. It feels fancy, yet it’s as approachable as your favorite weeknight stir-fry.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Let’s break down what makes Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli such a smart and satisfying choice:

✅ Quick & Easy

This is the kind of meal you can pull together in under 20 minutes. With minimal prep and only one pan required, it’s ideal for busy people, weeknight dinners, or when you want something nourishing without the fuss. Cleanup is a breeze, too!

✅ Keto & Low-Carb Approved

At only 16g net carbs per serving and loaded with healthy fats and proteins, this meal aligns perfectly with low-carb or ketogenic goals. The use of cream cheese adds creaminess without needing any flour or starch thickeners, and Parmesan adds umami and richness while remaining keto-safe.

✅ High in Protein & Nutrients

Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein and contains essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. Broccoli adds fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Together, they make a powerhouse combo for energy and immunity.

✅ Customizable & Versatile

Not a fan of arugula? Swap it out with spinach or kale. Don’t have cream cheese? Use mascarpone or even heavy cream. Want to make it dairy-free? Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast. This dish is as flexible as your fridge allows.

✅ Naturally Gluten-Free

No pasta, no grains, no gluten. This recipe is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, even outside of a keto context.

Ingredient Breakdown: What Each One Brings to the Table

• Shrimp: Packed with lean protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3s. They cook in minutes and soak up flavor like a dream.
• Broccoli: A keto-favorite vegetable, broccoli is low in carbs, high in fiber, and full of antioxidants.
• Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce, replacing flour-based cream sauces.
• Garlic: The flavor backbone of the dish—warm, aromatic, and the perfect match for seafood.
• Tomatoes: Add a touch of acidity to balance the richness and bring a burst of freshness.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps sauté the ingredients and adds a subtle fruitiness.
• Arugula & Basil: Peppery and fragrant greens that add dimension, depth, and a fresh finish.
• Parmesan: Aged cheese that brings saltiness, umami, and the kind of flavor you crave in creamy dishes.
• Lemon Juice: Cuts through the creaminess and brightens up the dish.

Health Benefits: Why It’s More Than Just Tasty

This dish doesn’t just taste good—it feels good, too. Here are a few health-related reasons to add it to your meal rotation:

🌿 Supports Weight Management

Low in carbs but rich in protein and good fats, this recipe helps you stay full longer, reduce cravings, and support fat-burning states like ketosis.

🌿 Great for Blood Sugar Balance

Unlike high-carb pasta dishes, this meal won’t spike your blood sugar, making it great for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance.

🌿 Heart-Healthy Fats

With olive oil and a moderate amount of cheese, the fats in this meal are mainly unsaturated and beneficial for heart health.

🌿 Packed with Antioxidants

Broccoli, basil, garlic, and tomatoes all contain powerful antioxidants that support immune health, reduce inflammation, and protect cells.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve With It

While this dish is complete on its own, here are some low-carb pairings to make it even more special:

• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Add a pasta feel without the carbs.
• Cauliflower Rice: A great rice alternative that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Keto Garlic Bread: Made with almond or coconut flour—perfect for dipping.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with olive oil and lemon dressing can add a refreshing contrast.

Meal Prep Friendly? Absolutely.

This meal is easy to reheat and keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make a larger batch and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners. Since shrimp cook so fast, you can also store the sauce separately and cook shrimp fresh each time for the best texture.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

1. Don’t overcook the shrimp – they only need 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast.
2. Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder. The flavor difference is huge, and fresh garlic provides more health benefits.
3. Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly and quickly.
4. Let the cream cheese melt slowly, stirring gently to make sure the sauce stays smooth.
5. Add arugula and basil at the end to preserve their color and flavor.
6. Be generous with the black pepper and Parmesan—they’re the finishing touches that bring the whole dish together.

Reader FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It’s only slightly spicy if you add crushed pepper. If you’re spice-sensitive, simply leave it out.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for best results.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: It’s best fresh, but leftovers are delicious too. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

If you’re like most home cooks, you want meals that are delicious, easy, and make you feel great. Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a quick-fix dinner—it’s a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Perfectly creamy, bursting with flavor, and keto-friendly without being restrictive, this meal proves you don’t need pasta, bread, or heavy carbs to feel full and satisfied. Add it to your weekly rotation and experience the beauty of clean, flavorful eating—one shrimp at a time.