The Best Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce You'll Love

Spread the love

Why Make This Recipe

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes. The Best Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is no exception! This delightful dish not only brings a delicious combination of spices but also boasts a rich, creamy texture that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for a special dinner or an easy weeknight meal.

What makes this recipe special is the mix of spices and the fresh ingredients. You’ll enjoy a satisfying blend of flavors from the shrimp, with a creamy sauce that boasts a delightful kick from the Cajun seasoning. Plus, this dish is versatile, so whether you want to serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it as is, you’ll find everyone at the table loving it.

Ready to dive into this flavorful recipe? Let’s get started!

How to Make The Best Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

Making this dish is straightforward, and you won’t need any advanced cooking skills. The steps are simple, letting you enjoy a home-cooked meal with ease.

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb. uncooked shrimp (fresh or thawed shrimp will create the best flavor)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (this spice blend brings a kick that defines the dish)
1 red bell pepper (diced, adds sweetness and color to your creamy Cajun sauce)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing and enhancing the flavor)
3 tablespoons butter (contributes a rich, buttery flavor to the sauce)
3 cloves garlic (minced, infuses the dish with aromatic warmth)
3 tablespoons flour (helps thicken the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency)
1.5 cups chicken broth (adds depth and richness to the sauce)
0.75 cups heavy cream (the key to achieving that luxurious creaminess)
1 tablespoon honey (a touch of sweetness to balance the spices)
2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to your preference for heat)
10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (adds zest; reserve the juice for extra flavor!)
0.75 cups cheddar jack cheese (shredded, melts beautifully and adds a delightful cheesy finish)
2 teaspoons lime juice (brightens the dish and enhances the flavors)

Directions

Cooking this dish is easy and will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to do it:

Prep the Shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and cleaned. Pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them sear when you cook them.
Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure the seasoning evenly coats the shrimp. Set this aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it softens slightly. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly to combine and create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until it becomes lightly golden.
Add Chicken Broth: Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups of chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in Cream and Remaining Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in 0.75 cups of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, the reserved juice from the Rotel tomatoes, the diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
Add Cheese and Lime Juice: Mix in 0.75 cups of shredded cheddar jack cheese and 2 teaspoons of lime juice, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Everything: Finally, return the cooked shrimp and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

This dish shines when served hot. A few serving suggestions include:

Over Rice or Pasta: One of the best ways to enjoy this creamy shrimp is over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite pasta. The sauce will cling beautifully, providing every bite with rich flavors.
In Tacos: Consider using the shrimp as a filling for tacos. Serve with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist!
With Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s an excellent option for a cozy dinner with friends or family.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

If you have leftovers (which can be hard to believe because it’s so good!), you can store them for later. Here’s how:

Refrigeration: Allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about a month. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce

Use Fresh Shrimp: The flavor will be best with fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry for better results.
Adjust the Heat: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with a little, then add more to your taste. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce based on your spice preference and tolerance.
Cheese Options: If you can’t find cheddar jack cheese, feel free to use any melting cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Variation

There are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe:

Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the dish and add more nutrition.
Use Different Proteins: While shrimp is classic, you can swap it out for chicken, crab, or even sausage, adapting the cooking time as needed.
Make it Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half or a lighter cream for heavy cream for a lower-calorie option, but the sauce might be less rich.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure absolute flavor and texture.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute shrimp with mushrooms or plant-based proteins like marinated tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for the vegetarian option.

3. What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?
This dish pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or even crusty bread. It also goes well with a fresh salad on the side.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time. Just combine and reheat when you are ready to serve.

5. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can start with less Cajun seasoning and hot sauce. Taste the sauce as you go, so you can modify according to your heat preferences.

With its rich, creamy, and spicy flavor, The Best Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!