Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. uncooked large shrimp (26/30 per pound), peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cups heavy cream (can substitute half and half); 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons hot sauce (Frank's Hot Sauce recommended); 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved; ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded (or combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella); 2 teaspoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Just imagine a skillet filled with plump, spicy shrimp swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce—this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort food magic. It’s packed with layers of bold Cajun spices and creamy goodness that make dinner feel indulgent yet easy to pull off.

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 Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dishes—not just because it’s a one-pan wonder, but because it strikes this perfect balance between spice, creaminess, and freshness. Plus, it's easy enough for weeknight dinners but fancy enough to impress company.

Bold, Layered Flavors: The combination of Cajun spices, garlic, cheese, and a hint of lime creates a depth that just sings in every bite.
One Skillet, Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less fuss and more time enjoying your meal.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: With a timed cooking method, the shrimp stays juicy and tender—not rubbery.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want it spicy, milder, or with extra veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic really starts in the ingredients. Each one plays a role in building the rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned shrimp. A bit of a shopping tip—try to pick shrimp that are large and peeled to make cooking quick and mess-free.

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: Large shrimp work wonderfully here, they cook quickly and soak up all the seasoning without getting rubbery.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds that signature kick—feel free to go lighter if you prefer mild heat or choose a reduced sodium version.
Red Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet crunch and bright color that balances the spicy, creamy sauce.
Butter & Garlic: The foundation of the sauce, these bring richness and a fragrant depth.
Flour: Acts as the thickening agent for the sauce, so it’s beautifully creamy but not runny.
Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream: The combo creates a luscious base that makes the sauce so satisfyingly velvety.
Honey & Hot Sauce: The honey rounds out the heat from the hot sauce, bringing subtle sweetness that balances spice.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These give a little tang and added texture, plus a touch of smoky heat.
Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts effortlessly into the sauce, adding creamy, savory depth.
Lime Juice: A splash at the end brightens and balances the rich sauce beautifully.
Mustard Powder, Oregano, Brown Sugar & Other Spices: These subtle layers build complexity in the seasoning without overwhelming the shrimp.
Cilantro & Lime Wedges: The fresh finishes that make every bite pop with brightness.

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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

One of the best things about this recipe is how much room there is to tweak it to your tastes. I often switch up the heat level or add in veggies that I have on hand to keep things fresh and interesting.

Variation: I’ve tried adding black beans and corn when I’m looking for a heartier version, and it blends beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
Heat Level: If you want it milder, just use less hot sauce and skip the cayenne flakes—it’s still flavorful without the fire.
Cheese Choice: Mixing Monterey Jack and cheddar adds richness, but using mozzarella makes for a delightfully gooey finish.
Protein Swap: If shrimp isn’t your thing, chicken strips or even tofu work well with the creamy Cajun sauce, just adjust cooking time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet 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 Like a Pro

Start by thawing your shrimp completely if frozen; trust me, dry shrimp will sear much better and get that gorgeous crust. I like to peel and devein mine ahead of time, but if you’re short on prep time, many places sell prepped shrimp that save the hassle. Don’t forget to drain the juice from your diced tomatoes and save it—that liquid is gold for deglazing and packing flavor into your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp & Peppers Just Right

Sprinkle your shrimp with Cajun seasoning, and heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and diced red bell peppers, cooking them about 1 minute plus 20 seconds per side. I swear by using a timer here because a few seconds too long can make shrimp tough. Once done, move them to a clean plate—they’ll finish cooking gently in the sauce, so no worries about undercooking.

Step 3: Build the Sauce with Love

Use that reserved tomato juice to deglaze the pan—scraping up browned bits is pure flavor gold. Simmer it down by half, then melt the butter and sauté garlic for a minute till fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking until it loses its raw smell. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and cream mix, bringing it to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Add the drained tomatoes, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes—this lets the sauce thicken and those flavors harmonize beautifully.

Step 4: Melt Cheese & Finish With a Zing

Turn the heat low, then sprinkle in your shredded cheese slowly while stirring. This step is where the sauce gets its luscious texture, so take your time! A splash of lime juice right after brightens everything, cutting through the richness perfectly. Add your cooked shrimp and peppers back into the skillet, stir gently to coat, and then top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for that last pop of freshness.

Top Tip

From my many kitchen experiments, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe come out perfectly every time. These simple tips can be the difference between a good dish and a wow-worthy one.

Timing is Everything: Cook the shrimp just until opaque; overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast, so use a timer and watch closely.
Layer Flavors Gradually: Don’t rush adding the cheese—adding it slowly allows for a silky sauce without clumps.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: That reserved tomato juice is key for picking up all the tasty bits stuck to the pan, which deepens the sauce flavor.
Lime Juice at the End: Adding it last ensures the acidity is fresh and bright, balancing the creamy richness perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous handful of roughly chopped fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness, while the lime juice adds an optional extra zing that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this is over fluffy, perfectly cooked white rice—the kind you let sit covered off the heat for a bit to really fluff up. Black beans and a simple green salad also make great companions. Sometimes, I’ll pair it with buttered noodles to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce; it’s irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual cast-iron skillets to keep things warm and cozy at the table. Another fun idea is to place the saucy shrimp over grilled polenta rounds as an appetizer—it’s unexpected and delicious! You can also pile it over creamy grits for a Southern-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I always let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce silky. Giving it a gentle stir before storing helps keep everything evenly distributed.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times and had good results. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the shrimp texture holds up well if reheated gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until just heated through—this keeps the shrimp from overcooking and turning rubbery. Using a makeshift double boiler on the stovetop works wonders too, delivering gentle, even heat without scorching the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents them from steaming in the skillet, which can make them rubbery.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe?

The recipe has a nice medium heat level thanks to the Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing the hot sauce or skipping the cayenne flakes, making it mild or fiery depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. This will change the flavor slightly but you’ll still get a creamy, delicious sauce.

What’s the best way to cook perfect rice for this dish?

I like to cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil, add 1 cup of long grain white rice, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. This method yields fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs beautifully with the creamy shrimp skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both comforting and exciting—every bite feels like you treated yourself. Sharing this with friends always earns compliments, and I hope you find the same joy making and savoring it. With its straightforward steps, hearty flavor, and flexibility, I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it!