Name: Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. uncooked shrimp; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 10 oz. Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice reserved; ¾ cup cheddar jack cheese, shredded; 2 teaspoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon brown sugar (light); ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 1 pinch cayenne pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

There’s something so comforting about the rich blend of spices and creamy textures in this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and makes any evening feel special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a go-to anytime you want dinner that’s flavorful yet easy.

A skillet filled with a creamy orange sauce layer textured with small bits of green herbs and red tomato pieces scattered throughout; on top, there are many plump, light orange shrimp arranged evenly, some curled tightly while others are looser in shape. Lime wedges with bright green skin and pale green inside are spread around the shrimp, adding a fresh contrast. The skillet has a black inner surface with a pale beige handle, and it sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe for years, and it never gets old. The balance of spice, creaminess, and that little tang from the lime keeps every bite interesting. Plus, it comes together pretty quickly, which means you’ll have more time to savor the meal and less time worrying in the kitchen.

Bold, Balanced Flavors: The Cajun seasoning paired with creamy tomato sauce delivers spice without overwhelming heat.
Quick and Easy: You can have this meal on the table in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Versatile Serving Options: It’s fantastic over rice, noodles, or even with a simple side salad.
Customizable Heat Level: You control how spicy it gets, so it suits everyone from mild-mannered to heat lovers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe plays its part in layering flavor and texture. When combined, they create that irresistible sauce that clings to perfectly cooked shrimp while the spices add that signature Cajun vibrancy.

Flat lay of fresh raw large shrimp with shells removed, a small mound of bright red diced red bell pepper, a few whole cloves of garlic with papery skin, a small pile of shredded cheddar jack cheese from a block, a small pat of pale yellow butter, a few wedge-shaped lime pieces, a handful of rough chopped fresh cilantro leaves, a pinch of coarse brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red diced tomatoes with green chilies including their juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding a mixture of various ground spices including paprika and cayenne (representing Cajun seasoning, mustard powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes) placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, this is the star protein that soaks up the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully.
Cajun Seasoning: Adds that smoky, spicy punch that makes this dish unmistakably Cajun.
Red Bell Pepper: Provides a slight sweetness and lovely color contrast.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Great for searing shrimp and peppers without overpowering flavors.
Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
Garlic: Offers aromatic depth and a fresh savory note.
Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that luscious, clingy consistency.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory complexity and thins the sauce just right.
Heavy Cream (or Half & Half): Brings creaminess and balances spiciness.
Honey: A subtle touch that rounds out the spice with gentle sweetness.
Hot Sauce: Contributes heat and tang. I love using Frank's for just the right kick.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes w/ Green Chilies: They give the sauce texture and a little added zest from the chilies.
Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creamy, cheesy richness.
Lime Juice: Adds brightness to balance the cream and spice perfectly.
Additional Seasonings (Mustard Powder, Oregano, Brown Sugar, Cayenne, Red Pepper Flakes): These subtle seasonings layer complexity and a mild heat that makes the dish memorable.
Fresh Cilantro & Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and acidity elevate each serving beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m cooking for. Go ahead and adjust the heat level or swap cheese varieties — it’s a flexible dish that welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: I sometimes add black beans or corn to the sauce for extra texture and heartiness, turning it into a full meal in one pan — works great for casual dinners with friends!
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the cheese; the sauce still maintains that dreamy creaminess with a slight coconut hint.
Milder version: Reduce the hot sauce and skip the cayenne if you're sensitive to spice — the flavor remains rich without too much heat.
Extra veggies: Toss in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms when cooking the peppers to add more layers of flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

A white bowl holds a dish with two main layers: on the left, a mound of fluffy white rice, and on the right, orange creamy shrimp curry with visible whole shrimp coated in sauce, scattered chopped red tomatoes, and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. A green lime wedge and fresh cilantro leaves sit near the top edge of the curry. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft-textured light gray cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Ingredients

First things first — make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. This helps them sear nicely instead of steaming. If needed, peel and devein them; I prefer leaving the tails on for extra flavor, but it’s up to you. Don’t forget to drain and reserve the juice from the diced tomatoes — that flavorful liquid is going to deglaze our pan later and add depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Peppers

Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil. Once hot, sprinkle your shrimp with Cajun seasoning and toss in the diced red bell peppers. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute plus 20 seconds per side — don't skip timing this, as it’s easy to overcook shrimp. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, transfer them to a plate. They’ll keep cooking a little once off the heat, so it's best to stop as soon as they look done.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Using the same skillet, pour in the reserved tomato juice and set heat to medium. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan with a silicone spatula — that’s flavor gold right there. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2–3 minutes, then add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Stir in the flour and keep stirring for 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste — this also thickens the sauce. Gradually drizzle in the chicken broth mixture you made earlier, mixing constantly to keep things smooth. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and add the drained diced tomatoes. Let it bubble away uncovered for 10 minutes so it thickens and flavors meld.

Lower the heat and slowly stir in your cheese until melted and silky—this step is where the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy. Finish by stirring in fresh lime juice for brightness.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp and peppers to the sauce, stir gently to coat, and warm through for a minute. Add fresh lime wedges and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.

Top Tip

From my many runs at this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe, I’ve learned that timing and temperature control make all the difference to keep shrimp tender and sauce perfect. Here are my best tips to get it just right:

Shrimp Cook Time Matters: Use a timer to avoid overcooking — shrimp only need about 1 minute plus 20 seconds per side to stay juicy and tender.
Deglazing is Key: Don’t skip using the tomato juice to sweep up those flavor-packed bits from the pan — it makes your sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Slow Cheese Addition: Add cheese on low heat and stir slowly to prevent clumping and ensure a creamy sauce.
Don’t Rush Reduction: Letting the sauce simmer uncovered concentrates flavors perfectly without needing extra seasoning.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are my go-to garnishes. The cilantro adds a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness, while a squeeze of lime juice lifts the whole dish with a zesty punch. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra crunch and color.

Side Dishes

Serve this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe over fluffy white rice or buttery noodles — both soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. I've also enjoyed it with black beans and a crisp mixed green salad to balance out the creamy, spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the shrimp and sauce over a bed of cumin-infused rice, then garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a few more lime wedges on the side. It adds a festive look and a deeper smoky flavor that guests love. You can even serve it in small ramekins as an appetizer with toasted baguette slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce holds beautifully, and the shrimp remain tender if you don’t overheat them later. It’s perfect for a quick lunch the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze both the shrimp and sauce in portions for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Freezing sometimes changes the texture of shrimp a bit, so I recommend using it within a month if possible for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm the dish slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until just heated through — this prevents the shrimp from turning rubbery. Alternatively, a double boiler setup works wonders to heat evenly without drying out the sauce or the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid adding extra moisture to the pan.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?

If you don’t have Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use plain diced tomatoes and add a bit of chopped fresh chili or a pinch of cayenne to keep the heat and flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just whisk it in carefully to avoid lumps.

How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe?

The recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper and hot sauce for a milder taste.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cajun Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy shrimp any night of the week. There’s something so comforting about that creamy, spicy sauce paired with tender shrimp and fresh lime zest that keeps me coming back. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easier than it looks and wildly satisfying every single time.