Shrimp, Sausage & Broccoli Skillet (Diabetic-Friendly)
A one-pan, low-carb meal with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and bold flavor—no added sugar, no fuss.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~25 minutes
🍽️ Serves
4
🧺 Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced (turkey, chicken, or lean pork)
3 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
Optional Add-Ins
Mushrooms or bell peppers
Zucchini slices
Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sausage slices.
Cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the broccoli
In the same skillet, add broccoli.
Sauté 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the shrimp
Push broccoli to the side.
Add shrimp in a single layer.
Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Combine
Return sausage to skillet.
Toss everything together.
Cook 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Finish
Squeeze lemon juice over the skillet.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve
Serve hot, straight from the pan.
🍽️ Diabetic-Friendly Serving Ideas
On its own (very low-carb)
Over cauliflower rice
With a side salad and olive oil dressing
With a small portion of quinoa or brown rice (if carbs are planned)
❓ Q & A
Q: Why is this dish diabetic-friendly?
A: It’s high in protein, low in refined carbs, includes fiber-rich broccoli, and has no added sugar—helping support steady blood sugar.
Q: What sausage should I use?
A: Choose sausage with no added sugar and minimal fillers. Turkey or chicken sausage is a great lighter option.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Is this keto or low-carb?
A: Yes. It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly depending on the sausage used.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Absolutely. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can, but shrimp texture may soften slightly. Freeze up to 2 months and reheat gently.
Q: How do I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium sausage, season lightly, and rely on lemon and spices for flavor.
Q: Can I swap the broccoli?
A: Yes—cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or spinach all work well.
