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The Best Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

The Best Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

After trying countless shrimp recipes, I finally stumbled upon this spicy Cajun shrimp dish that has become an instant favorite in my kitchen. The combination of smoky spices, creamy sauce, and tender shrimp is absolutely irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Shrimp – 1 pound peeled and deveined with tails on
  • Seasonings – 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder onion powder, paprika, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and Pepper – To taste
  • Dried Herbs – ½ teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic – 2 cloves minced
  • Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons
  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken Broth – 1 cup
  • Heavy Cream – ½ cup
  • Sriracha Sauce – 1 tablespoon adjust to taste
  • Bell Pepper – 1 red diced
  • Cheddar Jack Cheese – ½ cup shredded
  • Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup grated
  • For Serving – Cooked pasta lime wedges, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Method
 

  1. Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this spice mixture until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the tomato paste mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sriracha sauce. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the pepper softens.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
  7. Serve the spicy Cajun shrimp over cooked pasta. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the heat level.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth of flavor.