Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic shrimp scampi. Juicy shrimp are coated in a zesty Cajun seasoning, then sautéed with garlic, butter, and a splash of lemon for a dish that’s perfectly spiced and irresistibly delicious.

Tossed with pasta or served over rice, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Pot for cooking pasta (if serving with pasta)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked and drained

Directions

1. Season the Shrimp:
   • In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in chicken broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Combine:
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5. Add Pasta (if using):
   • If serving with pasta, toss the cooked linguine or spaghetti in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, with pasta)

Calories: ~400

Protein: 30g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 780mg

Expert Tips

• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well when thawed.
• Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch.

FAQs
Can I use a different protein?

Yes, chicken or scallops can be substituted for shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What type of pasta works best?

Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great options, but you can also use rice or zucchini noodles.

Can I make it ahead of time?

The dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce ingredients in advance for quick assembly.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or wine for a different flavor profile.
• Add bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Use a Cajun seasoning blend that’s salt-free to control the sodium level.

Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic shrimp scampi. Juicy shrimp are coated in a zesty Cajun seasoning, then sautéed with garlic, butter, and a splash of lemon for a dish that’s perfectly spiced and irresistibly delicious.

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Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• - Mixing bowl
• - Tongs or spatula
• - Pot for cooking pasta (if serving with pasta)

Ingredients

  

• **For the Shrimp:**
• - 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• - 2 tbsp olive oil
• **For the Scampi Sauce:**
• - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• - 4 cloves garlic minced
• - ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• - ¼ cup chopped parsley
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• **Optional:**
• - 8 oz linguine or spaghetti cooked and drained

Instructions

 

• **Season the Shrimp:**
• - In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
• **Cook the Shrimp:**
• - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• **Make the Sauce:**
• - In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• - Stir in chicken broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• **Combine:**
• - Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• **Add Pasta (if using):**
• - If serving with pasta, toss the cooked linguine or spaghetti in the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Mix well to combine.