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Quick & Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Close-up of perfectly cooked cajun shrimp served in a rich, creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
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Make flavorful Cajun shrimp quickly with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe delivers bold Louisiana flavor perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun spice blend (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss the shrimp with the Cajun spice blend, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and add more Cajun seasoning if desired.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the shrimp completely in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1 minute to heat through.
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over rice or toss with cooked pasta.

Notes

  • For Cajun Shrimp Pasta, cook 8 oz of penne pasta separately. Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the finished shrimp and sauce.
  • If you do not have a pre-made Cajun spice blend, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  • Use large shrimp for the best texture in this quick preparation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/quick-creamy-cajun-shrimp-garlic-butter/