This low carb Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is rich, delicious, and on the table in under 30 minutes. Served over spaghetti squash, this meal has only 9 net carbs per serving and is naturally gluten free!
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Before I hopped onto the keto train, and when I occasionally hop off, one of my quick go-to recipes for busy nights was Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta. I love that recipe because you can make it in about 20 minutes and it’s so, so good.
This was actually an easy recipe to make keto-friendly. I basically just swap out pasta for spaghetti squash.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.
It’s a very quick and straightforward recipe to make. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, but you can also use pre-cooked shrimp to save even more time without sacrificing flavor!
The recipe is made from mostly staple ingredients that you might already have on hand.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, roughly chopped
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before you begin.
Chop the parsley and set aside.
Start cooking the spaghetti squash so that it has time to cool enough for you to handle it.
I make my spaghetti squash in the microwave by poking several holes all way into the center of it, then microwaving it on a plate for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size.
Allow the squash to cool some before cutting it in half and scraping the inside out with a fork.
Chef’s Tip: you can also roast the spaghetti squash, if you prefer, but this takes longer. Wait to begin the rest of the recipe until the squash is done baking and out of the oven.
Create!
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and cook on one side, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes or until they are just slightly opaque and white. Remove to a bowl or plate.
Chef’s Tip: if using pre-cooked shrimp, wait until the end to add the shrimp in with the spaghetti squash, then cook a few minutes to warm them.
Add the garlic to the same pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add the vegetable stock and heavy cream. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking to prevent lumps.
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then lower and simmer until thickened, whisking frequently.
Mix in the shrimp and cooked spaghetti squash and heat through.
Present!
Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips and Techniques for the Best Low Carb Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp, if preferred. Wait until the end to add the thawed shrimp in with the spaghetti squash, then cook a few minutes to warm them.
- If you prefer to roast the spaghetti squash be prepared for it to take about 45 minutes to an hour to fully bake in the oven.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days
FAQ’s
Can You Use Cooked Shrimp In Place Of Raw?
Yes. You can use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe. It will decrease the cooking time. The shrimp just need to be tossed in during the last few minutes of cooking, along with the spaghetti squash, then cooked just a few minutes to heat through.
How Do You Know When Shrimp Is Done Cooking?
Shrimp are done cooking when they are just slightly opaque and white. They will be a “C” shape. If they resemble an “O,” they might be overcooked.
More Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipes
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Low Carb Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash * about 5 cups
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 12 ounces shrimp * I use small or medium, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cloves garlic * minced
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley * roughly chopped
Instructions
- Poke several holes all way into the center of the spaghetti squash, then microwave on a plate for 8-12 minutes on high, or until tender. Allow to cool some, the scrap out the inside with a fork.
- While the squash is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and cook on one side, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes or until they are just slightly opaque and white. Remove to a bowl or plate.
- Add the garlic to the same pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add the vegetable stock and heavy cream.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking to prevent lumps.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then lower and simmer until reduced and somewhat thickened, whisking frequently.
- Mix in the shrimp and cooked spaghetti squash and heat through.
- Top with the fresh parsley.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp, if preferred. Wait until the end to add the thawed shrimp in with the spaghetti squash, then cook a few minutes to warm them.
- If you prefer to roast the spaghetti squash be prepared for it to take about 45 minutes to an hour to fully bake in the oven.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days
Kateri says
I like to make my food ahead of time. I prepared this Thursday and had it Friday for dinner. The sauce thickened and was absorbed by the squash. It was absolutely delicious, While cooking the shrimp I added Old Bay seafood seasoning, I used freshly shredded parmesan and added more parmesan to each serving.
Lauren Vavala says
So happy to hear this Kateri 🙂 Thanks for trying the recipe and for coming back to rate and review. I really appreciate it!
– Lauren
Cheri says
Is the Parmesan cheese grated or shredded? Also do you think cauliflower rice would work? Only asking because that is what I have on hand. Thank you
Lauren Vavala says
You can use either grated or shredded Parmesan cheese. I tend to use grated because it melts faster, but it really doesn’t make a huge difference. I’m a huge fan of cauliflower, so I would say that it would work just fine 🙂
– Lauren
Courtney says
Was super easy to make and yummy only wish i had had a bigger or more than one spaghetti squash as you really need [about] 5 cups it calls for, would definitly make again!
Lauren Vavala says
Thanks Courtney!
Denay DeGuzman says
I just made this delicious garlic parmesan shrimp, and it’s fantastic! I’m planning on making it again next week when friends are coming over for dinner.
Traci says
THIS is the ultimate comfort food! So easy, healthy, and scrumptious! Thanks for sharing another winner 🙂
Beth says
This looks amazing! I love finding recipes that are so delicious but also quick to make – this is perfect!
Emmeline says
Now this looks amazing!!! Love the combination of the shrimp & “pasta” – I am so not on the keto train though so I will try this with regular spagetti 😉
Dannii says
I really wish that spaghetti squash was easier to get hold of over here.