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Creamy Cajun Shrimp

When I first tried this creamy Cajun shrimp recipe, I knew it would quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • Colander (if serving with pasta or rice)

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat

For Serving (Optional)

  • Cooked rice pasta, or crusty bread
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp

  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them sear nicely.
  • In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; it helps them brown instead of steaming.

Cook the Shrimp

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  • Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions and bell peppers, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

  • Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir to combine.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
  • Sprinkle in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Pro tip: Keep the sauce on low heat while adding cheese to prevent it from clumping.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like an extra kick.

Combine Shrimp and Sauce

  • Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce.
  • Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Serve and Garnish

  • Spoon the creamy shrimp and vegetable mixture over cooked rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
  • Enjoy immediately while warm!

Notes

Nutritional Value (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
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Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword cajun shrimp, creamy Cajun shrimp