Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce – Spicy, Crunchy, Cozy

Cajun Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 40 minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with bell peppers and smothered in a creamy, zesty Cajun sauce that’s rich with garlic, cheese, and spices. Whether served over rice, buttered noodles, or beans, this dish is a weeknight winner you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make in under 45 minutes

• Creamy and spicy sauce that clings beautifully to shrimp

• Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or beans

• Loaded with Cajun flavor and customizable heat levels

• Freezes and reheats well, making it great for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb uncooked large shrimp (26/30 per lb), thawed, peeled, and deveined

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp flour

• 1½ cups chicken broth

• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half and half)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tsp hot sauce (Frank’s recommended)

• 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved

• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded

• 2 tsp lime juice

Seasonings:

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp light brown sugar

• ½ tsp each: mustard powder, oregano

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For serving:

• Fresh lime wedges

• Chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw if needed, then pat dry. Season with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.

2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp and diced bell pepper for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Deglaze: Add the reserved tomato juice to the pan. Scrape the browned bits and reduce by half.

4. Build the sauce: Add butter and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 2 more minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

5. Add liquid: Gradually pour in the broth, cream, honey, hot sauce, and seasoning mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

6. Finish the sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese and lime juice.

7. Combine: Return shrimp and bell peppers to the skillet, stir to coat in sauce, and heat through.

8. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with rice, noodles, black beans, or a side salad.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add black beans and corn for a Southwest twist

• Replace shrimp with chicken or sausage

• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version

• Swap Rotel tomatoes for plain diced tomatoes to reduce heat

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months

• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.

FAQs

How spicy is Cajun shrimp?

The spice level is moderate, but you can easily reduce it by omitting cayenne and using regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely under cold running water and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute the cream?

Yes, use half and half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar Jack melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. Monterey Jack and mozzarella also work well.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it at the very end just to warm through—avoid overcooking.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Buttered noodles, fettuccine, or linguine all pair well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a touch more flour during the roux step.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written due to the flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend to adapt.

How do I know the shrimp are cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp form a “C” shape. If they curl into an “O,” they are overcooked.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp recipe is pure comfort in a skillet. It’s spicy, creamy, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy night or making a dish worthy of company, this recipe delivers every time. Serve it over rice, pasta, or beans and enjoy the rich Louisiana-inspired goodness with every bite.