Fiery Cajun Pepper Shrimp with Creamed Corn Orzo Recipe

Cajun spices dance through succulent shrimp, creating a zesty symphony of flavors that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Southern coastal inspiration meets comfort food in this vibrant dish.

Plump seafood nestles against creamy orzo, delivering a perfect balance of heat and richness.

Robust seasonings awaken your taste buds with every compelling bite.

Each forkful tells a story of New Orleans-inspired creativity and passion.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an extraordinary meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Cajun Pepper Shrimp With Creamed Corn Orzo Overview

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun Pepper Shrimp delivers a bold, zesty flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.
• Quick and Satisfying Cooking: This one-pan wonder lets you prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the dish by adjusting the Cajun seasoning's heat level or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The creamy orzo perfectly complements the spicy shrimp and savory sausage, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

Ingredients For Cajun Pepper Shrimp And Orzo

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the protein centerpiece of this Cajun-style dish.
• Orzo: Small pasta that creates a creamy, comforting base for the shrimp.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and flavor to the orzo.

• Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to complement the shrimp.
• Cajun Seasoning: A bold spice blend that gives the dish its signature zesty kick.
• Basil: Fresh herb that provides a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth to the creamy orzo.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the orzo.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory element to the shrimp.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and a slight crunch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing and adding a subtle flavor.
• White Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy finish to balance the rich flavors.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Components of the homemade Cajun seasoning that create a complex, spicy flavor profile.

Step-By-Step Cajun Pepper Shrimp Orzo Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Corn Base

Toast corn in a large skillet over medium-high heat with butter, thyme, salt, and pepper until golden.

Add orzo and cook until lightly toasted.

Pour wine into skillet to deglaze pan.

Add water and bring to boil.

Simmer until orzo reaches al dente texture.

Stir in milk and parmesan cheese until creamy and warm.

Step 2: Create Homemade Cajun Seasoning

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Season Shrimp

Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and black pepper in a medium bowl until evenly coated.

Step 4: Brown Sausage and Peppers

Heat skillet on high.

Brown sausage until crispy.

Add bell peppers with salt and pepper.

Cook until peppers become soft.

Transfer sausage and peppers to a separate plate.

Step 5: Sear Spicy Shrimp

Return skillet to high heat.

Add olive oil.

Sear shrimp until pink on both sides.

Add butter, garlic, and thyme.

Cook until garlic caramelizes.

Stir in fresh basil and lemon juice.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return sausage and peppers to skillet.

Mix with shrimp.

Spoon creamy orzo onto plates.

Top with spicy shrimp mixture.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Helpful Tips For Cajun Pepper Shrimp Orzo

• Create homemade Cajun seasoning for a fresher, more vibrant taste compared to store-bought blends.
• Use high heat and minimal cooking time to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and juicy shrimp.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix to make the dish milder or spicier according to personal preference.
• Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and achieve a creamy, restaurant-quality consistency.
• Replace wine with chicken broth or extra water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

Flavor Enhancements For Cajun Pepper Shrimp Orzo

• Vegetarian Corn Orzo: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu cubes seasoned with Cajun spices. Maintain the creamy orzo base and add roasted bell peppers for protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta alternative. Keep the Cajun seasoning and corn cream sauce intact for similar taste profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice. Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta and maintain the Cajun shrimp and creamy corn sauce components.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk and parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based butter alternative for cooking and seasoning the shrimp and orzo.

Suggested Sides For Cajun Pepper Shrimp Orzo

• Spicy Dinner Party Delight: Serve this dish with friends gathered around the table, creating a lively and interactive meal experience.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped basil or thyme on top to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal and flavor.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the Cajun spices with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the dish's bold flavors.
• Southern Comfort Side: Add a small side of crispy cornbread or a light green salad to round out the meal and provide additional texture contrast.

Storing Cajun Pepper Shrimp Orzo Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate shrimp and orzo to prevent soggy texture.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the orzo, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm shrimp and orzo separately in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter. Gently stir to prevent breaking shrimp and maintain creamy orzo consistency.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper that adds bold, spicy flavor to dishes like shrimp and meats.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely, pat dry, and ensure they’re fully deveined before seasoning and cooking to get the best sear and flavor.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dish?

No, just a large skillet, a medium bowl for mixing, and basic kitchen tools like a spatula and measuring spoons will work perfectly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

Cajun Pepper Shrimp with Creamed Corn Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun pepper shrimp dances with creamy orzo, bringing Southern comfort to your plate. Zesty flavors mingle with sweet corn, creating a bold culinary experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on or off)
• 1 uncooked Andouille sausage links (meat removed from casings)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 ears corn kernels (removed from the cob)
• 2 bell peppers (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped
• 1 lemon (juice)

Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup canned coconut cream or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan or Asiago cheese
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• kosher salt
• black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the creamed corn orzo by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter and sauté corn with thyme, salt, and pepper until golden, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Deglaze the pan with wine, then pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo reaches al dente consistency.
4. Stir in milk and parmesan cheese, warming through until creamy and smooth.
5. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
6. In a separate skillet, brown sausage over high heat for about 5 minutes, creating a deep caramelized exterior.
7. Add bell peppers to the sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until peppers soften, approximately 5 minutes.
8. Remove sausage and peppers from the skillet, setting aside on a plate.
9. Increase skillet heat and add olive oil. Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning to cook both sides until pink.
10. Incorporate butter, minced garlic, and thyme, tossing to coat shrimp. Cook until garlic becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil, lemon juice, reserved sausage, and peppers.
12. Plate the creamy orzo and top with the Cajun shrimp mixture. Serve immediately.
13. Optional: Prepare homemade Cajun seasoning by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned properly before cooking.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to suit personal spice tolerance.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting orzo with cauliflower rice or quinoa, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and prevent overcooking the delicate shrimp and corn.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg