Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp: A Quick & Delicious Dinner Recipe

Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp recipe! This dish is incredibly easy to make, bursting with spicy Cajun flavors, and cooks entirely on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp

* **Quick & Easy:** From prep to table in under 30 minutes!
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Everything cooks on one sheet pan, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes.
* **Flavorful:** The Cajun butter sauce is packed with flavor, offering a delightful blend of spice, garlic, and herbs.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, over rice or pasta, in tacos, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.
* **Healthy-ish:** Shrimp is a great source of protein, and you can easily load up the sheet pan with your favorite veggies for a balanced meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, your preference). We recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for the best results.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted, melted. The butter forms the base of our delicious Cajun sauce.
* **Cajun Seasoning:** 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference. You can use store-bought or make your own blend. If making your own, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon. This adds a savory umami depth to the sauce.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for extra heat.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Bell peppers (sliced), onions (sliced), broccoli florets, asparagus spears, zucchini (sliced), cherry tomatoes.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Sheet Pan:** A large baking sheet is essential for cooking everything together.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the shrimp and vegetables with the Cajun butter sauce.
* **Whisk:** To combine the melted butter and seasonings.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the garlic, parsley, and vegetables.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (Optional):** For easy cleanup. Line the sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking!

**1. Preheat the Oven:**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.

**2. Prepare the Cajun Butter Sauce:**

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Cajun seasoning for a spicier flavor or a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

**3. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables (if using):**

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better in the oven. Place the shrimp and any vegetables you’re using in the mixing bowl with the Cajun butter sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Make sure the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated for maximum flavor.

**4. Arrange on the Sheet Pan:**

Line the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on the sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two sheet pans.

**5. Bake:**

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the type of vegetables you’re using. Keep an eye on the shrimp to prevent them from overcooking, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also use the Cajun butter shrimp in tacos, salads, or wraps. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** The key to perfect Cajun butter shrimp is to avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic and lemon juice will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. If possible, avoid using bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of Cajun seasoning you use will determine the spiciness of the dish. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste if you like it spicier. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Choose Your Favorite Vegetables:** This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to use your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, asparagus, and zucchini all work well. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
* **Line the Sheet Pan:** Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil will make cleanup much easier. It will also prevent the shrimp and vegetables from sticking to the pan.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the shrimp and vegetables are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the shrimp to steam instead of roast, which will result in a less flavorful dish.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the Cajun butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply toss the shrimp and vegetables with the sauce and bake as directed.

## Variations & Substitutions

* **Spicy:** Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Garlic-Lovers:** Add more minced garlic to the sauce for an even more intense garlic flavor.
* **Herby:** Add other fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary, to the sauce.
* **Coconut Milk:** Substitute coconut milk for some of the butter for a creamier, slightly sweeter flavor.
* **Vegan:** Use vegan butter and substitute the shrimp with tofu or chickpeas. Make sure to use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or tamari.
* **Vegetables Only:** Skip the shrimp altogether and make a delicious sheet pan roasted vegetable dish with the Cajun butter sauce.
* **Different Seafood:** Try using scallops, fish fillets, or even chunks of chicken instead of shrimp.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice or Pasta:** Serve it over cooked white rice, brown rice, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
* **In Tacos or Wraps:** Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
* **In Salads:** Add it to a green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping in the Cajun butter sauce.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **With Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice:** For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cajun butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

## Printable Recipe Card

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## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 4 oz shrimp)*

*Calories: Approximately 350*
*Protein: 30g*
*Fat: 25g*
*Saturated Fat: 15g*
*Carbohydrates: 5g*
*Fiber: 1g*
*Sugar: 2g*

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* This does not account for added sides such as rice or vegetables.

## Enjoy!

This Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and effortless meal. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #SheetPanCajunShrimp!