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
Scale
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.
