Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and creamy shrimp étouffée simmered with a blend of Cajun spices and served over fluffy white rice. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter and whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux; cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the roux turns a light caramel color and smells nutty.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup finely chopped celery to the roux and sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and simmers gently, about 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp.
  7. Step 7: Simmer for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve the étouffée over 4 cups cooked white rice.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices?

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 Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices 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 Creamy Shrimp Étouffée with Cajun Spices?

American 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.

Related recipes