Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce
Succulent shrimp tossed in a smoky Cajun spice blend and simmered in a vibrant Creole tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, paprika, cayenne pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp in the spice mix until fully coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the spiced shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately over rice or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creole Tomato Sauce?
Cajun seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
