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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe: A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Dinner!

When you need a quick, spicy, and comforting dinner, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp delivers every time. Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp swimming in a bold, creamy Cajun sauce, laced with diced tomatoes, fragrant spices, and a touch of citrusy lime. This dish is pure comfort food with a kick! The beauty of this recipe is not just its vibrant flavor but also its simplicity. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. If you love bold, creamy dishes like this one, you might also enjoy trying Creamy Tuscan Shrimp or spice things up further with Spicy Shrimp Pasta. Trust me, you’ll want to save this recipe!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • You only need a handful of simple pantry-friendly ingredients to make this flavor bomb of a dish:
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 lime plus wedges for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Optional for serving:
  • Steamed rice
  • Crusty bread
  • Extra lime wedges

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  3. Remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
  2. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes and remaining Cajun seasoning.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
  1. Lower the heat to medium.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
  3. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
  1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
  2. Add the lime juice and stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
  3. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve immediately over rice or with crusty bread.
  3. Don’t forget those extra lime wedges for squeezing on top!

Notes

Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some delicious ideas:
1. Add Vegetables
Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
2. Swap the Protein
Try it with chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a tasty twist.
3. Spice It Up
Increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Low-Carb Version
Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
5. Make it Gluten-Free
Ensure your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
6. Dairy-Free Option
Substitute the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still has creamy richness.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
Freezing:
I don’t recommend freezing this dish since cream-based sauces can separate and shrimp can become tough after thawing.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
2. Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a nice kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust to your heat preference!
3. What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?
Steamed white rice, garlic bread, or even pasta work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the shrimp fresh for the best texture.
5. Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
6. What kind of shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best, as they stay juicy and tender when cooked quickly.
7. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, stick with cream or half-and-half.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, just reduce the spice level to make it more mild.
10. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end just to warm through, as overcooking can make them rubbery.
Conclusion
There you have it — the ultimate Creamy Cajun Shrimp recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests! With its rich, spicy cream sauce and juicy shrimp, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Pair it with rice, bread, or your favorite side, and you’ve got a meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Don’t forget to play around with the variations to make it truly your own. Whether you add veggies, swap proteins, or go dairy-free, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
For more quick and flavorful seafood dishes, check out this Garlic Butter Shrimp or this zesty Shrimp Scampi. Happy cooking! 🍤🔥