Shrimp Creole With Rice Or Pasta
A flavorful shrimp creole with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs served over rice or pasta, perfect for a lively, comforting meal with bold southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp; set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in oil for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, sugar, and chicken broth; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add basil and cayenne pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.
- Add the cooked shrimp, chopped parsley (if using), and chopped green onion.
- Serve the shrimp creole over rice or pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen. If you're short on time, precooked shrimp can be a quick substitute, but add them at the end just to warm through. You can also swap out tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over fluffy white rice or your choice of pasta. A side of crusty bread can help soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cool Chicken Salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole With Rice Or Pasta contains roughly 2398 calories, with 31g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (283% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg per serving (43% 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, but it's best to thaw them first in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Fresh shrimp is preferable for optimal flavor.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute, maintaining the dish's flavor profile. For a richer taste, consider using seafood broth or even a homemade broth if you have it on hand.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spice in shrimp creole can be adjusted to your preference by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder version, you can start with half the amount or leave it out altogether, relying on the other spices for flavor.
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).