Cajun Shrimp Bake

Looking for a flavorful, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal? This Cajun Shrimp Bake is where it’s at! Packed with bold, zesty Cajun seasoning, juicy shrimp, and a medley of roasted vegetables, this dish is a showstopper that’s sure to impress. What makes it even better? It’s super easy to prepare and bakes in just one pan—less mess, more flavor, and all the cozy vibes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to serve guests, this one’s a guaranteed hit. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Cajun Shrimp Bake

This Cajun Shrimp Bake is one of those recipes you’ll keep on repeat for good reason. Here’s why:

Bold and Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning is the star of this dish, giving everything from the shrimp to the veggies a punch of savory, spicy goodness. It’s got just the right kick without being overwhelming.

Easy One-Pan Meal: Everything gets roasted in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. And you can easily prep the ingredients in advance, so it’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something full of flavor.

Healthy and Hearty: With shrimp, fresh vegetables, and light seasoning, this bake is a great balance of lean protein and colorful veggies—definitely a feel-good meal.

Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to your preference. This recipe is totally customizable!

Quick to Make: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a sizzling, spicy, and comforting meal on the table.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what’s needed to bring this flavorful dish to life:

Shrimp
Juicy, tender shrimp are the highlight of this dish, soaking up all that spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning
This seasoning is what gives the dish that signature bold, smoky flavor. You can buy a pre-made blend or make your own at home with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

Olive Oil
A little bit of olive oil helps to coat everything and ensures the veggies and shrimp roast to perfection.

Bell Peppers
Bell peppers bring both sweetness and color to the dish. Feel free to use a mix of red, yellow, and green.

Zucchini
Zucchini adds a mild, fresh flavor and a nice contrast to the bold seasoning on the shrimp.

Red Onion
Red onions bring a touch of sweetness and a little crunch to the bake.

Lemon
A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end ties everything together with a refreshing, zesty finish.

Garlic
Fresh garlic will infuse the dish with aromatic flavor, complementing the Cajun seasoning beautifully.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get your Cajun Shrimp Bake going? Follow these steps to create a flavorful, zesty dinner:

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will give the shrimp and veggies the perfect crispy edge.

Prepare the Veggies
Chop the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season.

Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until they’re well coated. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Assemble the Bake
Spread the seasoned veggies evenly on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Nestle the shrimp among the veggies, spreading them out to ensure even cooking.

Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the veggies are tender. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly!

Finish with Lemon
Once the shrimp bake is done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of freshness and brightness.

Serve
Serve the Cajun shrimp and veggies hot, and enjoy! This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice, couscous, or even a light salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp Bake

Here are some great serving suggestions to complete your Cajun Shrimp Bake meal:

Rice: Serve it with a fluffy bed of white or brown rice. The rice will soak up all the delicious flavors from the shrimp and veggies.

Couscous or Quinoa: For a slightly different texture, serve this bake with couscous or quinoa, both of which pair wonderfully with the bold flavors.

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing crunch to balance out the spicy shrimp.

Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to scoop up any juices left on the plate—perfect for dipping!

Roasted Potatoes: If you’re craving something heartier, serve alongside roasted potatoes for the ultimate comforting meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to make your Cajun Shrimp Bake even more amazing:

Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, tone down the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar to balance out the spiciness.

Add Other Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. They’ll add even more color and flavor.

Make It Keto-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it low-carb.

Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days. It also reheats well in the microwave.

Use Frozen Shrimp: If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work just fine here. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before seasoning.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can speed up the thawing process by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Q2: Can I make this dish spicier?
A2: Absolutely! If you like it hot, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Q3: What other vegetables can I add?
A3: Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or even corn for a bit of sweetness.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Q5: Can I make this dish in advance?
A5: Yes, you can prep the shrimp and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready to eat!

Q6: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A6: While this dish is best baked, you can try cooking it in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. The texture may be a bit different, but it should still taste delicious.

Q7: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
A7: Yes, you can substitute chicken for shrimp. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook for a bit longer, until it’s fully cooked through.

Q8: What’s a good side for this dish?
A8: Rice, couscous, or a light salad make great sides for this Cajun Shrimp Bake. You can also pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Q9: How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
A9: The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough.

Q10: Can I make this dish in advance and freeze it?
A10: Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and veggies, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

The Cajun Shrimp Bake is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With bold Cajun seasoning, tender shrimp, and roasted veggies, this meal is guaranteed to hit all the right notes. Plus, it’s so quick and simple, you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. Give it a try and get ready for a new favorite!

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