Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp
Big, bold, buttery shrimp—this recipe brings serious flavor with barely any effort.
Roasted on a single sheet pan, they come out juicy, golden, and full of that Cajun kick.
It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy, but comes together fast with pantry spices
and just one pan to clean.
Toss the shrimp over rice, grits, or pasta, or serve them straight from the pan.
However you plate it, that buttery pan sauce is pure magic.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or feeding a hungry crowd—
this is a keeper you’ll come back to again and again.
For the Cajun Shrimp
- Shrimp – Use 2 pounds of extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined. They cook quickly and soak up all the buttery Cajun flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil – Helps the Cajun seasoning stick and gives the shrimp a nice roast in the oven.
- Butter – Half a cup (cubed) melts into the hot shrimp right out of the oven, creating a rich, flavorful pan sauce.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness at the end.
- Lemon Wedges – Another optional touch, but a squeeze of lemon really brightens up the whole dish.
For the Cajun Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika – Adds depth and a slightly smoky kick to the shrimp.
- Garlic Powder – A pantry staple that boosts the savory flavor.
- Onion Powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Salt – Brings out all the flavors in the seasoning mix.
- Dried Oregano – Offers an herby, earthy layer.
- Black Pepper – For a bit of bite and balance.
- Cayenne Pepper – Just a touch for a little heat—adjust to taste.
- Dried Thyme – Rounds everything out with a hint of woodsy flavor.
Sheet Pan Cajun Butter Shrimp
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Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning:- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cubed and at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the Cajun seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme. - Season the shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Toss well to evenly coat the shrimp. - Bake:
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan, making sure not to overcrowd.
Bake for 8 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. - Add the butter:
While the pan is still hot, add the cubed butter and gently toss with the shrimp until melted and coated. - Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Delicious with rice, grits, buttered noodles, or even as a flavorful appetizer.
Nutrition
Calories: 339 kcal | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 271mg
Sodium: 496mg | Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Protein: 31g | Potassium: 303mg
1. Can I use frozen shrimp, and how should I prepare them?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. To ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption, thaw the shrimp completely before use. The quickest method is to place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5–10 minutes until thawed. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. How can I adjust the spice level to suit my preference?
The heat in this dish primarily comes from the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. To reduce the spiciness, decrease the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely. For a milder flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika. Prefer more heat? Add extra cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Is it necessary to use fresh parsley and lemon wedges?
While optional, fresh parsley and lemon wedges enhance the dish’s flavor and appearance. Parsley adds color and freshness, while lemon juice brightens and balances the buttery richness. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used or simply omitted.
4. Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ahead to save time:
- Cajun Seasoning: Mix in advance and store in an airtight container.
- Shrimp: Peel and devein ahead of time (if fresh), then refrigerate.
For best results, cook the shrimp just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
5. What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Cajun Butter Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Starches: Rice, grits, or buttered noodles are great for soaking up the sauce.
- Vegetables: Try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed bell peppers.
- Bread: Crusty French bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
