One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb) Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor yet fits perfectly into your paleo, Whole30, or low carb lifestyle, you absolutely have to try this One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb). It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without any guilt, thanks to creamy coconut milk and savory garlic blending beautifully with juicy shrimp and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. What I love the most is how effortless it is to prepare, with all the magic happening in one pan—making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in one gorgeous, colorful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb) so special. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness, turning a handful of pantry staples into an irresistible meal.

• Grass-fed butter or ghee (2 1/2 tablespoons): Provides a rich, nutty base perfect for sautéing garlic and shrimp.
• Garlic cloves (6, minced): The star aromatic that infuses the dish with deep, warming flavor.
• Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, deveined, tails on): Fresh, plump seafood that cooks quickly while soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
• Bone broth (1/2 cup, chicken): Brings savory umami and helps deglaze the pan.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (8 ounces in olive oil): Offers tangy, chewy bursts of flavor that contrast perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Canned coconut milk (15 ounces): Creates the luscious, dairy-free creaminess that makes this dish so comforting.
• Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons): Adds a cheesy depth without any dairy.
• Spinach (8 cups, lightly packed): Brightens the dish with fresh color and nutrients.
• Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant herb blend that pulls all the flavors together.
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every bite.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Cook Shrimp

Start by melting your ghee or grass-fed butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute, stirring often to avoid any burning. The kitchen will instantly fill with a mouthwatering aroma. Next, add the shrimp—make sure they’re patted dry so they sear nicely. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn just opaque. Once done, transfer them to a bowl to rest, because the sauce will be the next star.

Step 2: Cook Onion and Reduce Broth

Turn the heat up to medium-high and toss the diced yellow onion into the same pan. Cooking it down for 2 to 3 minutes will soften it and draw out a natural sweetness. Pour in the bone broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan; that’s flavor gold right there. Allow it to simmer until the broth reduces by half, thickening and concentrating the taste beautifully.

Step 3: Add Sun Dried Tomatoes and Sauté

Now add a tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar—it’s intensely flavorful and brings a lovely richness. Follow that with drained and julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté together with the onions for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s fragrant and well combined, releasing a tangy sweetness that brightens the entire dish.

Step 4: Pour in Coconut Milk and Add Nutritional Yeast

Stir in the creamy coconut milk and sprinkle in the nutritional yeast. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a medium-low simmer. This is where the magic happens as the coconut milk thickens and the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory undertone. Toss the spinach into the sauce and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes, adding a lovely splash of vibrant green.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp and Seasonings

Return the shrimp back to the pan, stirring them into the creamy sauce and spinach. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up that rich flavor and the sauce to thicken further. This final step transforms simple ingredients into a dish that bursts with comforting, balanced flavors.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the creamy richness. A wedge of lemon on the side can also bring a lovely zesty contrast, cutting through the richness of the sauce with a pleasant tang.

Side Dishes

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb) pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that soaks up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement the dish’s creamy texture perfectly while keeping things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the shrimp over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or alongside roasted spaghetti squash. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to these veggies, making each bite exciting and satisfying. You can also present it family-style in the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and deepen, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure not to leave it out at room temperature for too long, as seafood dishes are best kept cold.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but because of the coconut milk, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture and helps the shrimp sear nicely.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

While nutritional yeast adds a lovely cheesy depth, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful thanks to the garlic and coconut milk.

What if I’m not following Paleo or Whole30? Can I use heavy cream?

Yes, substituting canned coconut milk with heavy cream will give you a richer, more traditional creamy sauce. Just be mindful this changes the dish’s dietary profile.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic or a dash of hot sauce at the end gives the dish a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors.

How do I ensure the shrimp don’t get rubbery?

Cook the shrimp only until they turn opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking causes them to become tough, so keep a close eye during step one and the final simmer.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this One Pan Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb) enough if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal. It hits every note with creamy, savory, fresh, and tangy flavors all weaving together so effortlessly. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

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