Southern Shrimp & Spicy Creole Sauce: A 30-Minute Dinner You’ll Crave
By Jason Griffith
Y’all, get ready for a taste of the South with this incredible Southern Shrimp & Spicy Creole Sauce recipe. It’s a meal that’s bursting with flavor, but so simple to make that it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This isn’t just a dish; it’s an invitation to sit back, relax, and savor a bowl of soulful, spicy comfort. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet and in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
The heart of this recipe is the rich and vibrant Creole sauce. It’s a beautiful mix of classic ingredients—onions, bell peppers, and canned tomatoes—that simmer with a special blend of spices. The Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a touch of cayenne create a smoky, spicy depth that makes this sauce absolutely addictive. We’ll let those flavors meld together before adding plump, juicy shrimp, which cook in just minutes, soaking up all that incredible flavor.
Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is the definition of a complete, satisfying meal. It’s hearty without being heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and packed with a flavor that will transport you straight to the bayou.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a favorite in my home because it’s a perfect blend of bold flavors and minimal effort. I’m a huge fan of Cajun and Creole cooking, and this dish captures that essence beautifully without requiring a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. The fact that it’s a one-skillet meal is a huge win for me on a busy night—fewer dishes mean more time for relaxing.
The sauce is the true star. The simple act of simmering the tomatoes and veggies with the spices allows all those flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a truly rich and authentic taste. The shrimp cook so quickly and take on the flavor of the sauce so well, making every bite a delight.
If you love a good, hearty Southern-style meal, you’ll also want to check out my recipe for Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, which is another of my all-time favorite comfort foods. This shrimp dish is a lighter, faster take on that soulful flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference—start low!)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Swaps & Notes
- Shrimp: Any size shrimp will work, but large or jumbo shrimp are best. You can also use chicken or even sliced smoked sausage for a different spin.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce. Sliced celery is a classic addition to a Creole sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning: The spice level of Cajun seasoning can vary greatly. If you’re unsure, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also make your own blend at home.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best so you can control the salt level.
- Rice: This dish is best served over fluffy white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa would also work.
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the undrained can of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Let the Flavors Meld: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for allowing all the flavors to deepen and come together.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat back to medium. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately over a bed of hot, fluffy rice.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Pull them off the heat immediately to keep them tender and juicy.
- Start Low on the Spice: Cajun seasonings can pack a punch. It’s always easier to add more heat than it is to take it away, so start with the suggested amount and adjust to your preference.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel before adding them to the skillet helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from releasing too much water into the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: After the sauce has simmered, give it a taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creole shrimp is a complete meal on its own. For a simple side, a piece of crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce is always a good idea. A cold beer or a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be the perfect beverage pairing.
And for another great chicken and rice dinner idea, check out my recipe for a Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, which is another of my favorite one-pan wonders.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
(Approximation based on ingredients, serves 4)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~5g
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best served immediately, as shrimp can get tough when reheated. If you do have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this easy and flavorful dinner, you’ll love these other great recipes:
- A Light & Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and there’s no mayo in sight!)
- These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
Final Thoughts
This Southern Shrimp & Spicy Creole Sauce is a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious. It’s a quick and easy recipe that delivers a huge flavor payoff, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight rotation. I hope you give it a try and discover just how comforting a taste of the South can be.
What’s your favorite Southern comfort food? Let me know in the comments below!
Southern Shrimp & Spicy Creole Sauce: A 30-Minute Dinner You'll Crave
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference—start low!)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
- If using, stir in cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
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