Shrimp Cajun
A flavorful Cajun shrimp dish with vegetables, ham, and cheese tortelles, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce—perfect for a hearty, Southern-inspired meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked shrimp
- 1/4 pound diced ham ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 pound cheese tortelles, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in an electric frypan at 300°F.
- Sauté chopped onions, green pepper, and finely chopped celery in the melted butter.
- Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir the mixture.
- Add cooked shrimp, cheese tortelles, diced ham, and frozen peas.
- Let simmer for 15 minutes at 220°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute the cheese tortellini with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli. If you're looking to lighten the dish, use reduced-fat cheese. Fresh shrimp can be used instead of cooked shrimp; just sauté them until they turn pink before adding other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp Cajun over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this dish, offering a nice contrast to the richness of the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Okra, Creole Style for a Southern twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Cajun shrimp mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Cajun contains roughly 683 calories, with 36g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (326% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), and iron (158% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2882mg per serving (125% 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 raw shrimp instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw shrimp in this recipe. Just make sure to sauté the shrimp until they are pink and opaque before adding the other ingredients, which will ensure they are cooked properly and absorb the flavors of the dish.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you prefer not to use ham, you can substitute it with diced cooked chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, omit the ham altogether or use smoked tofu to retain a similar flavor profile.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level of this dish can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe as written is mild, but you can add cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
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).