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Keto Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Skillet – Fast, Flavorful, and Low-Carb

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, or a splash of chicken broth to deglaze

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp and sausage: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear well. Slice the sausage into rounds. Toss shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of oil.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until browned and crisp at the edges. Transfer to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Add the remaining oil. Toss in peppers, onion, and zucchini. Season with the rest of the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred but still crisp-tender.
  4. Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant. If the pan looks dry or browned bits are stuck, splash in a tablespoon of water or broth to deglaze and scrape up the flavor.
  5. Cook the shrimp: Push veggies to the sides to make space. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Combine and finish: Return sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. Squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat (a pinch more Cajun seasoning or cayenne if you like).
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges. Enjoy as-is or pair with cauliflower rice.