For a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect choice. Tender shrimp and fresh zucchini are cooked together in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan dish offers a satisfying combination of protein and veggies, making it ideal for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal. With roasted bell peppers adding a smoky sweetness and a hint of white wine to elevate the sauce, this recipe is both quick and elegant—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs. small peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. butter, divided
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs. zucchini, cubed
- ½ cup of white wine (for deglazing the pan).
- 8 oz. roasted bell peppers, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or Half & Half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Zucchini:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the cubed zucchini.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and starts to turn golden.
- Deglaze the Skillet:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add the chopped roasted bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or Half & Half) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce to heat through. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy shrimp and zucchini skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread or rice.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal, offering a delightful balance of tender shrimp, sautéed zucchini, and a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive dinner with friends.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet
A flavorful one-pan dish featuring sautéed shrimpand zucchini in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with roasted bell peppers, whitewine, and Parmesan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
- 1 ½ lbs. small peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. butter (divided)
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs. zucchini (cubed)
- ½ cup of white wine (for deglazing the pan.)
- 8 oz. roasted bell peppers (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup heavy cream or Half & Half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Zucchini:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the cubed zucchini.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and starts to turn golden.
Deglaze the Skillet:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add the chopped roasted bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or Half & Half) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce to heat through. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve:
- Serve the creamy shrimp and zucchini skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread or rice.