Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining succulent shrimp, Cajun spices, and a garlicky, buttery sauce. This dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners or a special meal with a spicy kick.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium pot (for pasta, if serving with it)
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

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

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken or seafood stock
• ½ cup dry white wine (or additional stock if you prefer non-alcoholic)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

Optional:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (cooked according to package instructions)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Make the Scampi Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the stock, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
4. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
2. If serving with pasta, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Customize the Spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
• Alternative Proteins: Try this recipe with scallops or chicken for variety.

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Pair it with crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add them at the very end to warm through.

2. What’s a good substitute for Cajun seasoning?
Make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a quick, flavorful, and versatile recipe that brings a bold twist to a beloved classic.

Cajun Shrimp Scampi

Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining succulent shrimp, Cajun spices, and a garlicky, buttery sauce. This dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners or a special meal with a spicy kick.

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Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium pot (for pasta, if serving with it)
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Scampi Sauce:
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• ½ cup chicken or seafood stock
• ½ cup dry white wine or additional stock if you prefer non-alcoholic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
• Optional:
• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Shrimp:
• In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
• Make the Scampi Sauce:
• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Stir in the stock, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
• Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
• Combine and Serve:
• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
• If serving with pasta, add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Customize the Spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Alternative Proteins: Try this recipe with scallops or chicken for variety.