Name: Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet with Homemade Seasoning
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 T. garlic powder; 1 T. smoked paprika; ½ T. onion powder; 2 t. dried oregano; 1 t. dried thyme; 2 t. cayenne pepper; 1 t. ground white pepper; 2 t. fine sea salt; 2 t. fine sea salt; 2 t. fine sea salt; 1 lbs. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lbs. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided; 3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided; 3 3-oz. Cajun Andouille sausage links, sliced; 3 3-oz. Cajun Andouille sausage links, sliced; ½ medium white onion, finely diced; ½ medium white onion, finely diced; 2-3 large cloves garlic, minced; 2-3 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium orange or red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 medium orange or red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 medium green bell pepper (or ½ large), finely diced; 1 medium green bell pepper (or ½ large), finely diced; 1-2 T. Cajun seasoning, divided; 1-2 T. Cajun seasoning, divided; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 small yellow squash, sliced and cut into half rounds; 1 small yellow squash, sliced and cut into half rounds

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.

Looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana? Look no further than our Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet with Homemade Seasoning. This tantalizing recipe combines succulent, juicy shrimp with fresh, colorful vegetables, all generously coated in a zesty awesome cajun flavor homemade spice mix.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, a simple, complete meal to prepare yet bursting with complex flavors. Prepare to impress your family and friends with an easy skillet meal that’s as nutritious as delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The homemade Cajun seasoning provides a perfect blend of spices that enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and vegetables.
Quick and Easy: This one-pan meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the shrimp and various vitamins from the vegetables, this easy meal is satisfying and nourishing.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences, allowing for endless variations.

Ingredients

Garlic powder: Adds a deep, savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky sweetness that elevates the dish.
Onion powder: Lends a mild, balanced taste that complements the other spices.
Dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, aromatic note essential to authentic Cajun seasoning.
Dried thyme: Adds a subtle, herby flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Cayenne pepper: gives the seasoning its signature spicy kick, and you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Ground white pepper: Offers a delicate, peppery heat that blends seamlessly with the other spices.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the intensity of all the flavors in the mix.

Skillet Ingredients

Jumbo shrimp: Opt for fresh shrimp or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: This type of oil is preferred for its rich, fruity taste and health benefits.
Cajun Andouille sausage links: Look for authentic, smoked Andouille sausage to add depth and richness to the dish.
White onion: Provides a sweet, mild base that softens as it cooks.
Large cloves garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer a sharper, more intense flavor than pre-minced options.
Orange or red bell pepper: These sweet bell peppers add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the skillet.
Green bell pepper: Provides a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the other vegetables.
1 T. Cajun seasoning: This homemade blend infuses every bite with a perfect balance of spice.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to taste.
Yellow squash: Adds a tender, slightly sweet texture that melds well with the other ingredients.
Zucchini: Provides a mild flavor and firm texture that absorbs the seasoning beautifully.
Fresh parsley: This bright herb adds a fresh, clean finish to the dish.

Substitutions and Additions

Large Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute with cubed chicken breast or tofu for a protein alternative.
Olive oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used as substitutes if you prefer their flavor or health benefits.
Andouille sausage: Substitute with chorizo, kielbasa, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
White onion: Red onions or shallots can be used in place for a slightly different flavor profile.
Bell peppers: Poblano peppers or jalapeños can be used if you’re looking for a bit more heat.
Yellow squash and zucchini: Eggplant or carrots can be swapped in for a different texture and flavor.
Fresh parsley: If you’re out of fresh parsley, cilantro or basil can provide a different but pleasant herbal finish.

Additions

Cherry tomatoes: Adding these provides a burst of tangy sweetness and adds more color to the dish.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can add a meaty texture and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen corn can add a sweet, crunchy element to the skillet.
Baby spinach or kale: Stirring in some greens at the end of cooking can boost the nutritional value and add a pop of color.
Red pepper flakes: For those who love extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can turn up the spice level.
Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors of the entire dish.

Instructions

To make the Cajun seasoning, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and set it aside.

Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside.

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the Andouille sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring once, until the shrimp turn opaque and begin to curl. Be careful not to overcook. Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the sausage.

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then include the onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Season with additional Cajun seasoning to taste and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop a bit of color, about 4-5 minutes.

Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until they are browned and crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the Andouille sausage, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Combine well and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

Pat the shrimp dry: Before marinating, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the seasoning better.
Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet retains heat efficiently, which helps achieve a perfect sear on the shrimp and vegetables.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them. This ensures a better texture and more flavor.
Preheat the skillet: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the ingredients. This helps in achieving a good sear and enhances the overall flavor.
Adjust the spice level: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference.
Slice vegetables uniformly: Cutting vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly, resulting in a balanced texture.
Resting time: Allow the skillet to sit for a couple of minutes after removing from heat. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Fresh is best: Use fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor.
Double the recipe: This dish stores well, so consider making a double batch for easy, flavorful leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

When serving the Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet, there are many delightful sides and accompaniments you can consider:

Rice: A classic choice, both white rice and brown rice work well and help soak up the flavorful juices from the dish. For a healthier alternative, you can use cauliflower rice.
Quinoa: This protein-rich grain provides a nutty flavor that complements the spices in the skillet.
Crusty Bread: Fresh, crusty French bread or a baguette is perfect for mopping up any delicious sauce left in your bowl. Or make it into garlic bread for extra flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting and hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.
Pasta: Serve over a bed of cooked pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a different twist on the classic skillet meal.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast and enhance the overall meal.
Grits: Creamy grits can provide a Southern-style complement to the Cajun flavors, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Adds a sweet, crunchy dimension that pairs beautifully with the spicy shrimp and vegetables.
Fruit Salad: For a lighter option, a fruit salad with citrus and berries can cleanse the palate and add a touch of sweetness.

These serving suggestions provide a variety of options to round out your Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet, making it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion.

Storage & Reheating

To store the Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the dish within two hours of cooking to maintain its freshness. The skillet can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

You can freeze the Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet for longer storage. To freeze, divide the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date and contents, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating the Recipe

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple:

From the Refrigerator: Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
From the Freezer: If frozen, it’s best to thaw the skillet overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as from the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat from frozen by microwaving on low power for 5 minutes, then on medium power, stirring every few minutes until heated through, or reheating gently in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring often, until fully thawed and warmed.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetables. Feel free to substitute or add in seasonal veggies like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

Is there an alternative to Andouille sausage?

If Andouille sausage is not available or preferred, you can use other types of smoked sausage or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. For a non-pork option, turkey or chicken sausages work well too.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the heat, you can cut back on the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild version if available. Additionally, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving to help balance out the spiciness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and marinate the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook as directed when ready to serve. This allows for a quicker cooking process.

What can I use instead of fresh parsley?

If fresh parsley is not on hand, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, other fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil can also provide a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.