Print

Quick Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Close-up of juicy, orange Cajun shrimp coated in spices and fresh parsley, sitting in a buttery sauce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy Cajun shrimp with garlic butter sauce for a fast weeknight meal full of flavor. Perfectly cooked shrimp in a zesty butter sauce takes only 15 minutes. Serve it over rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and foams.
  3. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, if using. Cook for 15 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for 1 minute.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the shrimp completely in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 30 seconds to heat through.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
  9. Serve the Cajun shrimp immediately over hot rice or pasta.

Notes

  • For a low-carb dinner, skip the rice or pasta and serve this spicy garlic shrimp skillet over steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles.
  • If you want a creamy Cajun shrimp dish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last minute of cooking before adding the shrimp back.
  • You can use a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, but check the salt content first, as homemade blends often allow you to control the sodium better.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/quick-cajun-shrimp-garlic-butter-sauce/