Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic blend of spicy Cajun flavors and rich, creamy goodness, all wrapped up in a quick and easy-to-follow recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This simple dish elevates shrimp scampi to a whole new level of flavor, proving that homemade cooking can be both delicious and effortless. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!
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Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce beautifully.
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Add the Creaminess: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp scampi immediately over your favorite cooked pasta or rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of spice.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality shrimp make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
Variations:
- Lemon Shrimp Scampi: Omit the Cajun seasoning and add the juice and zest of one lemon to the sauce for a classic lemon shrimp scampi twist.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of garlic to your preference for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g
This creamy Cajun shrimp scampi recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious, quick, and easy dinner solution that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful meal! This easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, showcasing the best of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking.