Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Pesto Sauce
Shrimp lovers and keto enthusiasts, this recipe is a game-changer! When shrimp meets creamy pesto, you get a delicious keto garlic butter shrimp dish that’s perfect for a lusciously low-carb dinner. Get ready to elevate your dinner table with this easy, flavorful keto meal. 🍤 Let’s dive in and cook up some scrumptious shrimp!
Why Choose Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp?

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Get the free cookbook →Who says gourmet meals require complicated steps? This keto garlic butter shrimp recipe combines succulent seafood with rich, creamy pesto sauce, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive. With minimal cookware required, you’ll enjoy a gourmet experience without the cleanup hassle. Imagine plump shrimp bathed in a creamy, garlicky basil-infused pesto, all while keeping your carb intake low. It’s the ultimate example of low-carb living done deliciously right.
Essential Keto Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Packed with protein and naturally low in carbs, shrimp is keto-friendly and perfect for this dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and keeps this dish authentically keto.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances flavor and complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creamy texture without the carbs.
- 1/4 cup homemade basil pesto: Homemade pesto ensures no hidden carbs and fresh flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides a savory depth that’s essential.
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil is the star herb.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For rich, cheesy balance.
- 1/4 cup pine nuts: Adds texture and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic: More garlic means more flavor.
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Healthy fats perfect for keto.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step: Making Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Pesto Sauce
Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until finely chopped.
- Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve.
Tips for Perfect Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Prep ahead: Having everything ready reduces stress and speeds up cooking.
- Check ingredients: Always verify that your pesto and other ingredients are keto-friendly and low in carbs.
- Choose fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp improves texture and flavor.
- Watch cooking times: Shrimp cooks fast; avoid overcooking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp
Pair this delicious keto shrimp dish with:
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Cauliflower rice to soak up that creamy pesto sauce.
- Sautéed spinach for added greens and nutrition.
Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top to truly elevate your meal. This keto garlic butter shrimp in creamy pesto sauce brings together rich flavors and low-carb goodness, making it a standout dinner option that satisfies and fuels your keto lifestyle. Enjoy every bite and celebrate your delicious keto success!
Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Pesto Sauce
This keto garlic butter shrimp recipe combines succulent seafood with rich, creamy pesto sauce, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive.
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 25 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Packed with protein and naturally low in carbs.)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Adds richness.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Enhances flavor.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Adds creamy texture.)
- 1/4 cup homemade basil pesto (Ensures no hidden carbs.)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Provides savory depth.)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (Fresh herb for pesto.)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (For rich, cheesy balance.)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (Adds texture and depth.)
- 2 cloves garlic (More garlic means more flavor.)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (Healthy fats perfect for keto.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Adjust seasoning.)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until finely chopped.
- Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve.
Nutrition per serving
450 cal
5g net carbs
30g fat
40g protein
600mg sodium
Having everything ready reduces stress and speeds up cooking. Always verify that your pesto and other ingredients are keto-friendly and low in carbs. Fresh shrimp improves texture and flavor. Shrimp cooks fast; avoid overcooking for the best texture.
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