Description
This Cajun Shrimp features tender shrimp cooked quickly with bell peppers in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. It’s a fast, flavorful dinner that comes together in one skillet and works perfectly for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
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1 lb. uncooked shrimp, see notes
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▢1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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▢1 red bell pepper, diced
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▢1 tablespoons olive oil, or avocado oil
Sauce
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▢3 tablespoons butter
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▢3 cloves garlic, minced
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▢3 tablespoons flour
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▢1 ½ cups chicken broth
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▢¾ cups heavy cream, can sub half and half
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▢1 tablespoon honey
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▢2 teaspoons hot sauce
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▢10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved
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▢¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded. See notes.
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▢2 teaspoons lime juice
Seasonings
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▢2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
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▢1 teaspoon brown sugar, I use light
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▢½ teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, oregano
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▢1 pinch EACH: cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes
For Serving
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▢Lime Wedges
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▢Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
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Thaw shrimp completely if frozen and pat dry. Remove shells, tails, and veins if needed.
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Drain the diced tomatoes and reserve the juice (about ¼ cup). Set aside.
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In a bowl, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, and all seasonings listed under Seasonings. Mix well and set aside.
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Sprinkle shrimp evenly with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and diced red bell pepper. Cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side, then transfer shrimp and peppers to a plate.
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Reduce heat to medium and add reserved tomato juice to the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan and reduce liquid by half.
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Add butter, then garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
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Slowly add the prepared chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly until smooth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Add drained tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
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Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in lime juice.
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Return shrimp and peppers to the skillet. Add lime wedges, remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
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Use a timer when cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking.
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Add cheese slowly over low heat for a smooth sauce.
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Sauce thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth if reheating.
Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
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Calories: ~600 kcal per serving (estimate)
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