Description
This Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Sauce recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a quick and easy one-pan dish perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Season the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning, and then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Cook Shrimp: Raise the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release some of their juices.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until it wilts and combines with the sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the creamy Cajun sauce so that they are well coated and heated through.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and sauce for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp topped with the creamy Cajun sauce and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright, citrusy flavor boost.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve the shrimp with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh herbal note, but you can also use cilantro if preferred.
