Keto Creamy Shrimp & Zucchini Gratin
This Keto Creamy Shrimp & Zucchini Gratin is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent while still being wonderfully low-carb.
Tender shrimp and fresh zucchini are baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, then topped with plenty of melted cheese until golden and bubbly. It’s creamy, savory, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make.
I first made this on a weekend when I wanted something cozy but didn’t want a heavy pasta dish. I had shrimp and zucchini in the refrigerator, so I decided to turn them into a creamy gratin.
Honestly, it was even better than I expected.
The shrimp stayed tender, the zucchini soaked up the creamy garlic sauce, and that golden cheese topping made the whole kitchen smell incredible. My family kept sneaking bites straight from the baking dish before dinner was even ready.
Since then, this has become one of those recipes I make whenever I want a quick dinner that feels a little special.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and cheesy
Naturally low in carbohydrates
Packed with protein
Ready in about 40 minutes
Great for busy weeknights
Uses simple ingredients
No pasta or rice required
Perfect for a cozy family dinner
Ingredients
For the Gratin
500 g peeled and deveined shrimp
2 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely diced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional
Pinch of red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon lemon zest
Extra Parmesan for the top
How to Make Keto Creamy Shrimp & Zucchini Gratin
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons.
Place them on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt.
Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry.
This helps remove some excess moisture so the gratin doesn’t become watery.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels.
Season with a little salt, pepper, and paprika.
Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the zucchini and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.
You don’t want to completely cook the zucchini at this stage.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the cream cheese and heavy cream.
Stir until the cream cheese melts into the sauce.
Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and Parmesan.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink.
Don’t fully cook them because they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Transfer the shrimp and zucchini mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
Spread everything into an even layer.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
Finish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Step 8: Bake
Bake uncovered for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
For an extra-browned top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
Step 9: Garnish
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little lemon zest.
Serve warm.
My Best Tips
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly.
Slightly undercooking them in the skillet allows them to finish cooking in the oven without becoming rubbery.
Remove Excess Moisture From the Zucchini
Zucchini contains a lot of water.
Salting and patting it dry helps keep the sauce creamy instead of watery.
Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible
Fresh shrimp give the best texture, but properly thawed frozen shrimp work perfectly well.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan
Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor and helps create that beautiful golden topping.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Shrimp Gratin
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the cream sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Add another clove of garlic and extra Parmesan.
Spinach and Shrimp Gratin
Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach before transferring everything to the baking dish.
Mushroom Shrimp Gratin
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
Mediterranean Version
Add chopped spinach, feta, oregano, lemon zest, and a few chopped olives.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely.
Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking.
Excess water from frozen shrimp can make the sauce thinner.
Can I Use Another Cheese?
Yes.
Try:
Gruyère
Cheddar
Monterey Jack
Provolone
Fontina
For the best flavor, I like combining a good melting cheese such as mozzarella with Parmesan.
Can I Make This Without Heavy Cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich and may be thinner.
For a keto-style recipe, heavy cream gives the best creamy texture.
How Do I Keep the Gratin From Becoming Watery?
The three biggest things are:
Pat the shrimp completely dry.
Remove excess moisture from the zucchini.
Avoid overcooking the vegetables before baking.
These simple steps make a big difference.
Is This Really Keto?
The recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates, with shrimp, zucchini, cream, cream cheese, and cheese as the main ingredients.
For strict keto tracking, check the labels on your dairy products and calculate the carbohydrates according to your specific brands and serving size.
What to Serve With Shrimp & Zucchini Gratin
Because this gratin is rich and creamy, I like pairing it with something fresh.
Try:
Green salad
Cucumber salad
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Garlic green beans
Cauliflower rice
Sautéed spinach
Mediterranean tomato salad
A simple lemony green salad is one of my favorites.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the zucchini and creamy sauce several hours ahead.
For the best texture, add the shrimp shortly before baking.
If assembling the entire dish ahead of time, refrigerate it covered and bake until hot throughout.
Because refrigerated ingredients start cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Avoid overheating because shrimp can become tough.
Can I Freeze It?
I don’t recommend freezing this gratin if you want the best texture.
The zucchini can release additional water after thawing, and the creamy sauce may separate slightly.
It’s much better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 390
Protein: 34g
Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Fibre: 2g
Net Carbohydrates: 6g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the shrimp, dairy products, cheese, and zucchini used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use larger shrimp?
Yes. Larger shrimp are excellent for this recipe, but they may need an extra few minutes of cooking.
Why did my shrimp become rubbery?
They were probably overcooked. Shrimp need very little cooking time, especially because they continue cooking in the hot sauce and oven.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely. Crispy cooked bacon would add a delicious smoky flavor.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes. Use small pieces of cooked chicken, although the cooking time and texture will be different.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, cream, and cheese alternatives, but the texture may vary.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, if you have a suitable oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer. Cook at approximately 180°C (350°F) until hot and bubbling, checking frequently.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Creamy Shrimp & Zucchini Gratin is exactly the kind of recipe I love keeping in my back pocket.
It has all the comfort of a cheesy casserole, but the shrimp and zucchini keep it feeling fresh rather than overly heavy.
The creamy garlic sauce, tender shrimp, soft zucchini, and golden cheese topping are such a good combination that it’s hard to believe something this comforting can come together so easily.
I especially love serving it straight from the oven with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but honestly, it looks and tastes special enough for company too. 🦐🧄🥒🧀