Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant sheet pan meal combining Cajun-spiced shrimp with roasted sweet potatoes and bell peppers for a flavorful and easy dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs large shrimp, sweet potatoes, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and 1 large sliced red bell pepper with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer and roast for 20 minutes until starting to soften.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until shrimp are fully coated.
  3. Step 3: Remove baking sheet from oven, stir sweet potatoes and peppers, then add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on top. Return to oven and roast for an additional 8-10 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Sweet Potato Bake?

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.

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