Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors but comes together in no time, the Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine juicy shrimp perfectly seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, simmered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce infused with just the right amount of heat and finished with a gooey, melty blanket of cheddar cheese. This dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy, creamy, and cheesy, all in one skillet, making cleanup easy and dinner extraordinarily delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable flavor and texture. From spices that wake up your palate to a creamy base that soothes the heat and sharp cheddar that adds depth, these ingredients are simple but essential.

• 1 lb. uncooked shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp work best for a tender, slightly sweet seafood base.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Adds the signature spicy, smoky kick that makes this dish irresistible.
• 1 red bell pepper (diced): Provides sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the spice perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil): For sautéing the veggies and shrimp, giving a light, crisp texture.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to create that creamy, indulgent sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic depth that brightens every bite.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce just right without weighing down the shrimp.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the savory foundation for the tomato cream sauce.
• ¾ cups heavy cream (or half and half): Brings the signature creamy texture that melds everything together beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Turns up the spice level exactly where it should be for Cajun flavors.
• 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved): Adds bright, tangy tomato flavor with a gentle chili punch.
• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey topping that invites cozy comfort with every forkful.
• 2 teaspoons lime juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy zing that lifts and balances richness.
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: Another touch to layer the complex Cajun flavor profile even deeper in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (light): A subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce’s flavor spectrum.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a mild warmth and earthiness to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon oregano: Introduces a subtle herbal note for depth.
• Pinch of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to enliven but not overpower.
• Lime wedges: For serving, offering a fresh squeeze to brighten flavors at the table.
• Fresh cilantro (roughly chopped): Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness as a garnish.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Start by tossing your uncooked shrimp with the teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. This first layer of seasoning ensures every bite has that distinct spicy Cajun character. Set them aside briefly while you prep the next steps, allowing the shrimp to soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced red bell pepper and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Then, add the seasoned shrimp, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, add your butter and let it melt gently. Stir in the flour, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the reserved juice from the diced tomatoes. Next, stir in the heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, and the second round of Cajun seasoning along with the brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Melt the Cheese

Return the cooked shrimp and red bell pepper to the skillet, gently stirring them into the sauce. Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes and lime juice, giving the mixture a final stir. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top, then cover the pan loosely to let the cheese melt perfectly—about 3 to 5 minutes. The result is a bubbling, cheesy, spicy skillet that’s pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really brighten this hearty dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and herbal brightness that contrasts delightfully with the creamy, spicy sauce. Serving with lime wedges on the side allows everyone to add a little tangy zing, enhancing the Cajun flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands out on its own but pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce effortlessly. For a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just add a fun twist, serve the Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe over warm buttered grits for a soulful Southern flair. Alternatively, spoon it into warm, lightly toasted pita pockets or stuff it into soft tortillas for a delightful Cajun shrimp taco experience that’s sure to delight the entire family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as they rest, making for a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

While this recipe freezes well, it’s best to freeze before adding the cheese topping. Store the shrimp and creamy tomato sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh cheddar on top to melt.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skillet gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Top with cheese again and cover until melted for that freshly made experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning so they cook evenly and don’t add extra water to the sauce.

What if I don’t have Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies?

You can substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of chopped fresh green chilies or jalapeños to mimic the flavor and spice level.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk or another creamy plant-based substitute instead of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese to keep the same creamy texture.

Is the Cajun Shrimp Skillet very spicy?

The dish offers a nice level of heat from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but it’s easily adjustable by reducing the cayenne and red pepper flakes or swapping the hot sauce for a milder version.

What’s the best way to serve this to guests?

Serve the Cajun Shrimp Skillet with a vibrant green salad, warm bread for dipping, and lime wedges for everyone to customize their preferred zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet impressive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring some zest, creaminess, and a little southern comfort into your kitchen, the Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll keep coming back to again and again, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners with friends. Dive in, enjoy the bold flavors, and savor every delightful bite!

Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Creamy Tomato and Cheddar Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

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Description

This Cajun Shrimp recipe delivers a flavorful and rich dish combining succulent shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce infused with classic Cajun seasonings, diced tomatoes, and cheddar jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe balances heat, sweetness, and zest with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro garnish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 lb uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (added later)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice reserved)

Oils and Fats

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 tablespoons butter

Thickening and Liquids

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cups heavy cream (can substitute half and half)

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (light)
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons lime juice

Cheese

• ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded

Garnish

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Toss the uncooked shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside to marinate briefly while preparing other ingredients.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly, ensuring the raw flour taste is gone.
5. Create the sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and reserved Rotel juice, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Add cream and seasonings: Stir in heavy cream, honey, hot sauce, remaining Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Incorporate cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
9. Finish with lime and garnish: Stir in fresh lime juice, then serve the Cajun shrimp garnished with lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro for added brightness and a fresh finish.

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Notes

• If desired, use fresh or frozen shrimp, but thaw completely before cooking for best results.
• Cheddar jack cheese adds a creamy, melty texture—feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar if preferred.
• Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper amounts to control the heat level to your taste.
• This dish pairs well with rice, grits, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Cajun seasoning blends can vary; use your favorite brand or homemade mix for tailored flavor.