Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Potatoes

Introduction

When I first made Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Potatoes, I didn’t expect the dish to become an instant favorite in our house. But to my delight, it was a hit with everyone—my partner loved the bold, spicy flavor of the shrimp, while the kids couldn’t get enough of the crispy roasted potatoes. The best part? It’s made all in one pan, which made cleanup a breeze. The sweetness of the honey butter sauce balanced perfectly with the heat of the Cajun seasoning, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a flavorful and family-friendly dinner that requires minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Potatoes

This recipe is not only simple to make, but it packs a punch in terms of flavor. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender potatoes, and succulent shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• One-Pan Meal: Minimal dishes to clean up after dinner, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The spicy Cajun seasoning on the shrimp and potatoes is perfectly balanced by the sweet honey butter sauce.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of about 30 minutes, it’s a quick go-to meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, or even switching out the potatoes for a different vegetable.
• Healthy and Satisfying: It’s a wholesome meal with lean protein from the shrimp and hearty potatoes, all cooked with minimal added fats.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 1 ½ pounds baby gold or baby red potatoes, quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roast the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with olive oil, melted butter, and Cajun seasoning. Spread the potatoes evenly on the prepared sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Shrimp: While the potatoes are roasting, toss the shrimp in a bowl with melted butter and Cajun seasoning until well coated.
4. Add Shrimp to the Pan: After the potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Arrange the seasoned shrimp over the potatoes. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
5. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: While the shrimp and potatoes finish cooking, stir together melted butter, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
6. Serve: Drizzle the honey butter sauce over the shrimp and potatoes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 350-400 calories (depending on the size of the shrimp and amount of butter used)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the Cajun shrimp and potatoes as a main dish.
• Pair with a side salad for added freshness.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
• Enjoy with a simple vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious honey butter sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Add more if you like a kick, or reduce it for a milder dish.
2. Make it a Complete Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the pan with the potatoes for a one-pan, all-in-one meal.
3. Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe also works well with chicken breasts or thighs.
4. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro after serving for an extra burst of color and flavor.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning.
2. Can I substitute the potatoes? Yes, you can use other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips if you prefer.
3. What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning? If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
4. How can I make the shrimp spicier? You can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? The potatoes and shrimp can be seasoned and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, it’s best to make the honey butter sauce fresh.
6. Can I bake the shrimp and potatoes for longer? It’s best not to bake the shrimp for longer than 7 minutes to avoid overcooking them. The potatoes can be roasted for an extra 5 minutes if needed.
7. Can I add a side of rice? Yes, serving this dish with rice would be a great addition, especially to soak up the honey butter sauce.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used as a substitute, butter provides a richer flavor and texture.
9. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are fully cooked. If they curl up into a “C” shape, they’re done!
10. Can I use a different type of honey for the sauce? Any type of honey will work, but wildflower or clover honey would give a subtle sweetness.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Potatoes is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings bold flavors to the table. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a delicious, one-pan meal. The combination of spicy Cajun shrimp, crispy potatoes, and the rich honey butter sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad or vegetable, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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