Cajun Shrimp Pizza
A flavorful Cajun shrimp pizza featuring spicy seasoned shrimp, fresh herbs, and a savory sauce on a crispy crust, perfect for seafood lovers and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp dried oregano ⓘ
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- pinch cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp coarsely chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 12-inch pizza crust ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, chopped scallions, minced garlic, dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the broth mixture to the skillet with shrimp, stir in Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce, and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
- Distribute cooked shrimp evenly over the sauce on the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden and toppings are bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne to your taste. If you don’t have shrimp, chicken or a vegetarian protein like tofu can be used as a substitute. Make sure to season them well to mimic the Cajun flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or a bowl of Carrot And Potato Soup for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor. For drinks, a cold beer or a crisp white wine complements the spiciness perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cajun shrimp pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the crust compared to microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Shrimp Pizza contains roughly 335 calories, with 4g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1954mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This will help prevent excess moisture and ensure they cook evenly. Follow the same cooking times for best results.
What can I substitute for the pizza crust?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a cauliflower crust or a store-bought gluten-free pizza base. Alternatively, pita bread or naan can be used for a quick and easy version. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make this pizza less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper and use fewer crushed red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate a sweeter sauce like barbecue to balance the flavors. Adding more cheese can help mellow the spice as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).