If you are craving a vibrant dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, this Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy Cajun blend, perfectly paired with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes and tender, slightly charred broccolini that adds a fresh, green crunch to every bite. It’s a colorful, mouthwatering meal that feels indulgent yet balanced, and it comes together in under an hour. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it hits all the right notes for a dinner that dazzles both in flavor and presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that sings with flavor. Each component plays a special role—whether it’s the spices that define the shrimp’s kick, the creamy richness in the mashed potatoes, or the bright, roasted broccolini that ties everything together with a fresh, earthy crunch. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, providing a tender, juicy base that soaks up all the Cajun spices beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used to enhance flavor and help achieve the perfect sear on both shrimp and broccolini.
- Cajun seasoning: This blend infuses the shrimp with smoky, spicy depth—adjust the heat to suit your taste.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper: These spices add layers of flavor and balanced heat that bring the shrimp to life.
- Russet potatoes: Ideal for mashing, they create a luscious, fluffy bed for the shrimp.
- Butter and heavy cream: The secret to smooth, velvety mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth.
- Broccolini: This green vegetable offers a delightful tender-crisp texture and a subtle bitterness that contrasts the richness of the potatoes.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to finish off the broccolini.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each component perfectly.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil—this seasoning ensures the potatoes soak in flavor as they cook. Toss in your peeled and chopped russet potatoes and let them cook until fork-tender, which usually takes around 15 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot to mash. This is where the magic happens—add butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mash everything together until the potatoes are perfectly smooth and creamy, then set aside while you prepare the rest of your dish.
Step 2: Roast the Broccolini
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 Celsius). While it heats, toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper so every stalk gets a light coating that will crisp up beautifully during roasting. Spread the broccolini out evenly on a baking sheet; this helps them roast rather than steam. Slide the tray into the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes—it’s okay if the tips get a little charred, that adds wonderful flavor. If you want to add a bright, zesty note, sprinkle lemon zest over the broccolini right before serving.
Step 3: Cook the Cajun Shrimp
In a medium bowl, give your shrimp a bold flavor makeover by tossing them in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is well coated in this spicy mixture. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for just 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque—it’s a quick process but crucial for retaining their tender juiciness.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now for the fun part! Pile a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes on each plate, then layer the Cajun shrimp right on top. Place a handful of roasted broccolini alongside to add a perfect bite of crunch and color. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for that extra pop of freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the full harmony of flavors and textures in this wonderful Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly adds a splash of green that brightens the plate and complements the earthy broccolini and spicy shrimp. Lemon wedges also do double duty as a pretty garnish and as an optional citrusy squeeze, which cuts through the richness of the mashed potatoes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully well-rounded on its own, but if you want to expand your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up any lingering juices. A glass of chilled white wine or a light beer can elevate the experience even more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Cajun shrimp atop individual ramekins of mashed potatoes, surrounding the plate with broccolini arranged like a fan. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the shrimp for added visual appeal. You can also stack the broccolini first, then layered mashed potatoes, topped with shrimp for a modern plating twist that looks as sophisticated as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long!), store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the shrimp, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccolini chilled in the fridge for up to two days. Storing components separately helps maintain their textures and flavors.
Freezing
Mashed potatoes freeze well if stored in a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind their texture might slightly change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the shrimp and broccolini separately if you want to keep the full integrity of each component, though the shrimp may lose a bit of firmness after freezing.
Reheating
To rewarm your leftovers, gently heat the mashed potatoes on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to regain their creaminess. Reheat shrimp quickly in a hot skillet to avoid overcooking, and refresh broccolini in the oven or a skillet to restore some crispness. This helps bring your Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe leftovers back to life without losing their delicious qualities.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing with the spices to ensure they cook evenly and get that nice sear. Frozen shrimp can work wonderfully if fresh isn’t available.
What if I don’t have broccolini? Can I substitute another vegetable?
Certainly! Asparagus or tenderstem broccoli can be great alternatives. Just remember to adjust roasting times as needed since different vegetables have varying cooking durations.
How spicy is the Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe?
The spice level is versatile—you can adjust the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more gradually.
Can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and use coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative to keep the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Definitely! With only about 45 minutes total cooking time and straightforward steps, this Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe is perfect for a flavorful, satisfying weeknight meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration on your plate every time you make it. The spicy, smoky shrimp paired with the creamy potatoes and crisp broccolini hits all the right spots for comfort and excitement in one meal. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini recipe is a delightful, flavorful meal combining spicy, perfectly seared shrimp with creamy mashed potatoes and tender roasted broccolini. It’s a balanced dish with a mix of textures and a touch of heat, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Broccolini
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes with butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
- Roast the Broccolini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Optionally, sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
- Prepare the Cajun Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the cooked Cajun shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with roasted broccolini on the side.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the shrimp.
- Use russet potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm by covering them until ready to serve.
- Broccolini can be substituted with asparagus or broccoli if preferred.
- Leftover shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
