The Bayou Belle Decadent Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp OnePan Wonder

Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• & deveined
• % fat)

Instructions:

• Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
• Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a base.
• Slowly pour in the white wine (or broth) while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
• Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
• Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook just until the shrimp are heated through (about 1 minute). Do not overcook.
• Remove from heat. Stir in half of the fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:27 kcal

Protein:5.1 g

Fat:0.4 g

Carbs:0.2 g

Fiber:0.0 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:36 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Cajun

Unlocking the Secret to Louisiana's Spiciest Comfort Dish

Few culinary regions boast a flavour profile as immediate and evocative as Louisiana. When we talk about comfort food infused with smoke, spice, and undeniable richness, the conversation invariably turns to Cajun cuisine. Today, we are diving headfirst into an exceptional preparation: Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp . This isn't just another quick seafood meal; it's a vibrant, flavour-packed experience designed to transport you straight to the bayou, all while remaining perfectly manageable for a busy weeknight. Forget those tired weeknight dinners; this is a showstopper that lands on the table in under 30 minutes, proving that decadence doesn't require hours of simmering.

Why This Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe Deserves a Standing Ovation

This particular preparation stands out in the crowded field of weeknight meals for several compelling reasons. The foundation of this recipe is speed, delivering luxury in approximately 30 minutes total cook time. The primary aim here is to fuse the smoky, earthy punch of classic Cajun seasoning with a luscious, velvety sauce base. This combination transforms humble shrimp into a truly luxurious main event.

The Flavor Profile: More Than Just Heat and Cream

While the inclusion of heavy cream certainly delivers a decadent texture, the complexity of this dish stems from balancing that richness. We rely heavily on five cloves of freshly minced garlic, the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice to cut through the fat, and the signature blend of spices that provides warmth without overwhelming heat. The resulting Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp Sauce coats every plump prawn perfectly, ensuring a satisfying flavour payload in every bite.

From Pantry to Plate: Speed and Simplicity Guaranteed

The difficulty level for this recipe is decidedly easy. The technique centres primarily on a swift sear followed by a quick simmer. The main challenge—and where we focus our expertise—is ensuring the shrimp are perfectly cooked, avoiding the common pitfall of turning them rubbery. With only 15 minutes of prep time, this becomes an achievable Cajun Dinner centerpiece even on the most demanding days.

Setting the Scene: What Makes This Dish Irresistible

What elevates this dish above standard weeknight fare is its sheer versatility and comforting nature. It embodies that perfect culinary marriage of bold seasoning and smooth texture. Whether you choose to serve it simply with crusty bread for soaking up every drop or toss it directly with pasta to create a stunning Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp Pasta , this recipe guarantees an impression. It’s truly a showstopper that proves five-star flavour doesn't require complex techniques.

Assembling Your Arsenal: Essential Components for Richness

To achieve the signature result of this Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp , preparation is key. We are relying on building layers of flavour efficiently. Our primary protein is 1.5 pounds of large shrimp, which offer a satisfying bite against the smooth sauce. For the sauce itself, the combination of butter and heavy cream forms the backbone of that luxurious mouthfeel we are seeking in a truly excellent Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe .

The Spice Blend Breakdown: Crafting Authentic Cajun Depth

The heart of the flavour undoubtedly lies in the spice blend. We utilize 2 tablespoons of a quality Cajun seasoning, which typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. A crucial step involves seasoning the raw shrimp directly with the first tablespoon of this blend, salt, and pepper, allowing the seasoning to adhere before they hit the hot pan. Remember, the heat level is adjustable based on your chosen commercial blend or your homemade mix.

Essential Dairy Components for Silky Sauce Texture

For the velvety finish, we rely on two key dairy ingredients. First, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which melts beautifully to form the base for sautéing our aromatics. Following that, 1 cup of heavy cream (aim for 35% fat content) is introduced later in the process. This high-fat content ensures the sauce remains stable, glossy, and richly decadent without splitting or becoming too thin.

Tool Talk: Must-Have Equipment for Flawless Execution

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan is non-negotiable here. This type of cooare ensures even heat distribution when searing the shrimp and when building the sauce base, preventing hot spots that could lead to burned garlic or uneven cream reduction. Beyond that, simple tongs for managing the shrimp and a whisk for ensuring a smooth sauce base are all you need to execute this Cajun Prawns Recipe perfectly.

Related Recipes Worth Trying

• Quick Fiery Spicy Cajun Shrimp Recipe Ready in 25 Mins — Create the most flavourful Spicy Cajun Shrimp tonight This easy skillet recipe delivers juicy shrimp in a rich buttery Cajun sauceperfect dinner inspiration...
• The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe 20 Mins — Stop making rubbery prawns This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe delivers juicy goldencrusted shrimp in under 20 minutes A perfect quick shrimp dinner
• Lemony Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Quick Weeknight Dinner — This ridiculously simple Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe delivers plump juicy shrimp with a mouthwatering golden crust in under 25 minutes Perfect for...

The Definitive Guide to Crafting Your Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp Masterpiece

Creating this dish is a dance between high heat searing and gentle simmering. We begin by priming the shrimp and end with a quick, careful combination of all elements. Read these steps thoroughly; timing is everything when dealing with tender seafood.

Phase One: Priming the Prawns for Perfection

First, ensure your 1.5 lbs of peeled and deveined shrimp are patted absolutely bone-dry using paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of your Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Once seasoned, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers enticingly. Lay the shrimp in a single layer—work in batches if needed—and sear them for just 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just opaque. Remove the seared shrimp immediately and set them aside on a clean plate.

Achieving Deep Flavor with Garlic and Cajun Seasoning Infusion

Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the residual heat in the pan. Once melted, toss in 5 finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté these aromatics for precisely 60 seconds. We want fragrant, softened garlic, not bitter, scorched bits. Next, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk this mixture constantly for one full minute. This technique creates a very light roux, a mere touch that will help give body to our sauce later.

The Grand Finale: Incorporating Dairy for That Signature Velvety Finish

Now for the deglazing. Slowly pour in ½ cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free dish) while whisking vigorously to dissolve the flour base and scrape up any flavourful brown bits stuck to the pan. Let this simmer for about two minutes until it reduces slightly. Next, introduce the 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until combined, then allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer—never a rolling boil—for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Bringing It All Together: Final Simmer and Presentation Prep

Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning blend and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice; this brightens the whole profile beautifully. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if necessary. Finally, return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss them to coat them in the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce . Let them heat through for no more than 60 to 90 seconds. Remove from the heat immediately. Finish by stirring in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, reserving a little for garnish.

Elevating Your Experience: Expert Tips and Flavor Twists

While the core recipe is robust, a few expert touches can push this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe from excellent to unforgettable. Remember, the difference between good home cooking and great home cooking often lies in controlling the heat and managing the texture.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Spicy Creation

To handle the richness of this dish, you need something to soak up the sauce or something fresh to contrast it. Linguine or fettuccine tossed directly with the sauce makes for a fantastic full meal. Alternatively, serve this over creamy polenta or alongside steamed jasmine rice. For a non-carb option, steamed asparagus or tender-crisp green beans provide a welcome textural contrast. And critically: always have a crusty baguette on hand for mopping the plate clean.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Cream Sauce Making

The most common hurdle in any cream sauce is texture. If your sauce appears too thin after the cream has simmered, continue simmering on low until it coats a spoon, or whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour mixed with a splash of cold water (a slurry) and simmer for one minute more. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash more broth or cream until you hit that perfect consistency.

Customizing Heat Levels: Dialing the Spice Up or Down

Since the Cajun seasoning dictates much of the heat, control is simple. For a milder dish, reserve half of the required seasoning. Season the shrimp lightly, then add the reserved seasoning directly into the cream sauce base (Step 7). This allows the sauce flavour to be nuanced without overwhelming the palate with cayenne pepper. If you crave more heat, a final, gentle dash of hot sauce right before serving can be added.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding Your Indulgence

This Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp dish, estimated around 450–500 calories per serving (when divided into four generous portions), is naturally high in lean protein from the shrimp. However, due to the heavy cream and butter, the saturated fat content is noticeable. It’s best viewed as a treat meal—a proper indulgence that earns its richness through flavour rather than constant inclusion in the weekly rotation.

Storage Secrets and Next-Day Enjoyment

While this dish is truly best enjoyed the moment it’s made, leftovers can certainly be managed. Store any remaining Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, use the lowest heat setting on your stovetop or microwave, adding a tablespoon of milk or broth to the sauce before warming, as cream sauces tend to separate or thicken when cooled. The reheat should be brief—just until the shrimp are warmed through—to prevent them from toughening up.