The Irresistible Low-Carb Cheesy Shrimp Casserole That Had Everyone Asking for Seconds!

By boom Last updated Apr 30, 2025

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s both comforting and keto-friendly, this Low-Carb Cheesy Shrimp Casserole may become your new go-to. When one dish has your entire family reaching for seconds — and even thirds — you know you’ve hit a home run.

This recipe is creamy, savory, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply love cheesy seafood dishes, this recipe checks all the boxes.

🍤 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Made without starchy fillers, this casserole fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles.

Quick and Simple: It takes under 30 minutes to prepare and pop into the oven.
Family-Approved: Picky eaters won’t stand a chance — the creamy, cheesy texture makes it irresistible.
Customizable: You can swap or add ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this mouthwatering dish:

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream

½ cup cream cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent — about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to turn pink. Don’t overcook — they’ll finish in the oven. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens. Add chili flakes if using.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the shrimp and cream mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes — but watch carefully!

7. Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

💡 Helpful Tips

Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp Carefully: If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end of the sauce stage so they don’t become rubbery.
Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini can be sautéed along with the onions for a nutrient boost.
Spice It Up: Add a bit of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce if your family likes a little kick.

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute with dairy-free cheese and coconut cream, though the consistency may change slightly.

🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 Servings Total)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 35g

Fat: 32g
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 0g

Net Carbs: 4g

This meal is ideal for those tracking macros or following a ketogenic/low-carb meal plan.

🗣️ What Others Are Saying

“This is the only shrimp casserole that my 5-year-old will eat — and that says everything.”
— Maria K., home cook and mom of two.

“I made this for a family dinner, and every single person went back for more. Absolutely delicious!”
— Jason T., keto enthusiast

🥗 Serving Suggestions

While this dish is hearty on its own, you can complement it with:

Garlic butter green beans
Roasted Brussels sprouts
A crunchy side salad with vinaigrette

Cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles)

🧊 Storage and Meal Prep

To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

To Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked assembled casserole for up to one month. Bake from frozen, covered, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Low-Carb Cheesy Shrimp Casserole is the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel indulgent. The creamy texture, the savory cheeses, and the perfectly tender shrimp make it a dinner worth repeating — often. It’s fast, flavorful, and will satisfy even the most carb-loving member of the family.

So next time you’re looking to wow your household without spending hours in the kitchen, give this casserole a try. Just don’t be surprised if they ask for thirds.