Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. uncooked shrimp; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved; ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

There’s something so irresistible about a rich, flavorful sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp — that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe. The blend of spices, creamy texture, and just the right kick of heat makes it a true crowd-pleaser every time I make it.

A black pan filled with a creamy orange sauce layered with many pink and orange shrimp scattered evenly across the surface. Bright green lime wedges are placed between the shrimp, with small red tomato chunks mixed throughout the dish. The sauce looks smooth and rich, garnished lightly with small green herb bits. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried to make creamy Cajun shrimp—it was a lifesaver on a hectic weeknight. What I love most is how it feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to fit whatever you have or like.

Bold, Balanced Flavors: The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce pack just the right punch without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Versatile Serving Options: It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even a crisp salad, making it easy to customize.
Comfort Food with a Kick: Creamy, cheesy, a little spicy—this dish has all the cozy vibes you want.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a big role in building that luscious creamy Cajun shrimp flavor. I always recommend fresh shrimp and good-quality Cajun seasoning to get that authentic taste—subpar spices just won’t give the same result!

Flat lay of a dozen large raw shrimp with shells removed and tails intact, a small mound of bright red diced bell pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a few cloves of whole fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white flour, a small white ceramic bowl of rich chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of vivid red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fresh tomatoes with green chili slices, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded creamy cheddar jack cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Cajun seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, several bright green lime wedges, and a small bunch of roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: I use large shrimp (26/30 count) for fast cooking and tenderness—frozen works fine if thawed properly.
Cajun Seasoning: This adds that signature smoky, spicy flavor—I often use McCormick’s, but a homemade blend works great too!
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and color contrast that brightens the dish.
Butter & Garlic: The base for a rich, aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Flour: For thickening the sauce gently without clumps, you’ll want to cook it out properly.
Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream: Together they build a creamy, savory sauce that balances spice with richness.
Honey & Hot Sauce: Sweetness and heat—these two balance each other to keep the flavors lively.
Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a nice tang and subtle heat with fresh tomato flavor.
Cheddar Jack Cheese: Using a shredded mix from a block gives you the best melt and creamy texture.
Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a fresh zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Seasonings (Brown Sugar, Mustard Powder, Oregano, Cayenne, Red Pepper Flakes): These deepen the flavor profile with subtle layers of sweetness, earthiness, and heat.
Lime Wedges & Fresh Cilantro for Serving: My favorite finishing touches to brighten and freshen each bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This dish is a wonderful starting point that you can tweak easily. I usually keep the heat moderate, but sometimes you want to dial it up. The flexibility here is part of the fun—you can truly make it your own.

Lower Heat Version: When cooking for little ones or spice-averse friends, I cut the hot sauce in half and skip the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes—it’s still flavorful without the bite.
Added Veggies: I sometimes toss in corn or black beans when I want a heartier meal. Adding them alongside the tomatoes gives a nice texture and sweetness.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack or a mozzarella blend works well if you want a gooey, mellower sauce.
Serving Substitute: Buttered noodles or creamy grits make excellent alternatives to rice if you want to switch things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl filled halfway with white rice on the left side, with plump shrimp covered in a light orange creamy sauce placed on the right side, mixed with small pieces of red tomato. The shrimp are sprinkled with green herbs, and a lime wedge and a sprig of cilantro rest on top at the back of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro

First things first — absolutely make sure your shrimp are fully thawed if frozen, and pat them dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface is the enemy of a good sear! I peel, devein, and remove tails for ease of eating, but leaving tails on is great for presentation if you prefer. Also, don’t forget to reserve the tomato juice from your Rotel tomatoes; it’s pure flavor magic for the sauce.

Step 2: Spice and Sear the Shrimp

Sprinkle the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning—don’t be shy! Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in your shrimp and diced red bell pepper. This part moves fast—about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. Use a timer if you’re prone to distractions like me. You want a nice sear but no rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on that clock. Once done, transfer them to a clean plate to rest; they’ll keep cooking just a little in the next steps.

Step 3: Build That Flavorful Sauce

Keep the skillet on medium heat and pour in the reserved tomato juice. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up every delicious browned bit stuck to the pan—that’s where the deep flavor lives. Let that liquid reduce by half, it intensifies the tomato-chili goodness. Next, add your butter and minced garlic, cooking just about a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the flour and keep stirring for two minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Step 4: Cream It Up & Simmer

Gradually add your chicken broth mixture—this blend of broth, cream, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings—while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble and stir in your drained tomatoes. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes so the flavors can really marry and the sauce thickens up just right.

Step 5: Cheese, Shrimp, and Finish

Turn the heat to low and slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar jack cheese, stirring continuously to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Then, stir in fresh lime juice for that pop of brightness. Lastly, fold your shrimp and peppers back into the skillet to warm through gently. Finish by throwing in fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side—this little squeeze of citrus makes each bite unforgettable.

Top Tip

From my many attempts perfecting this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe, I learned how important timing and technique are — especially with shrimp and sauce-making. These tips will help you nail it every time.

Precise Shrimp Cooking: Use a timer during shrimp cooking — it’s easy to overcook these little guys, which makes them rubbery. I swear by 1 minute and 20 seconds per side.
Deglazing Magic: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with the reserved tomato juice — those caramelized bits are flavor gold for your sauce.
Slow Cheese Melting: >Add cheese slowly on low heat and stir constantly to avoid clumps and gritty texture.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh is best here—bottled lime juice just doesn’t brighten up the sauce the same way.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

creamy Cajun shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh cilantro generously on top. It adds a refreshing herbaceous note that balances the richness. Lime wedges on the side are non-negotiable in my book — a quick squeeze over the dish before each bite makes the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is simple, fluffy white rice cooked in chicken broth—that absorbs the sauce so well. But sometimes, I serve this creamy Cajun shrimp over buttered egg noodles or alongside a crisp green salad when I want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve spooned the sauce and shrimp over creamy polenta and topped the plate with microgreens for a fancy touch. Another fun idea is serving it in shallow ramekins with a bit of crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because the sauce is thick and luscious, it holds up really well, and reheating is quick.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely, which is a lifesaver for me when I make extra. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating to keep the shrimp tender.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to warm evenly without overcooking the shrimp. I sometimes use a makeshift double boiler setup to avoid direct heat—this keeps the sauce creamy and shrimp tender without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw your shrimp completely before cooking for this recipe. Cooking shrimp from frozen often leads to uneven cooking and excess liquid, which can dilute the sauce and make the shrimp rubbery.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk in place of heavy cream. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind these swaps will slightly change the texture and flavor but it’s still delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Timing is everything! Use a timer and cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—generally about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. Remember, they’ll cook a bit more when folded back into the sauce and while resting. Avoid cooking them on too high heat to prevent them from becoming tough.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding corn, black beans, or even diced sausage can add heartiness and variety. Add any extra ingredients when you add the tomatoes so they have time to cook and meld with the flavors. Keep in mind cooking times for different proteins may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly approachable and quick. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make a simple shrimp dinner feel like a treat.