If you’re searching for a dish that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, you’ve got to try this Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe. It’s the perfect symphony of spicy, creamy, and slightly charred elements that come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp dusted with Cajun spices, resting atop velvety mashed potatoes, with crisp, roasted broccolini on the side – each bite is a celebration for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so delightful is the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors, transforming everyday components into a mouthwatering feast.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Fresh and peeled for easy cooking and perfect to soak up the Cajun spices.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons total): Used in cooking shrimp and roasting broccolini for a rich, fruity base.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, bringing that signature smoky, spicy punch.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle earthiness to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Boosts the savory profile in both shrimp and mashed potatoes.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the aromatic seasoning mix perfectly.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of heat—adjust to taste for milder or bolder flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
- Russet potatoes (4 medium): Starchy and ideal for creamy mashed potatoes that are smooth and fluffy.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and silky texture to your mash.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Elevates the mashed potatoes to pure indulgence.
- Broccolini (1 bunch): Offers a tender-crisp contrast with its bright green color and slight bitterness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional): A zesty pop to brighten the roasted broccolini just before serving.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil them until they become fork-tender, which usually takes around 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper, then mash until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. This base sets the stage for a luscious, comforting bite that perfectly complements the Cajun shrimp.
Step 2: Roast the Broccolini
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), a temperature ideal for getting that beautiful tender yet slightly crispy texture in the broccolini. Toss the trimmed broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it out evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until you notice tender stalks with little charred patches forming. A light sprinkle of lemon zest before serving can brighten the flavor and add a fresh aroma that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Cajun Shrimp
While your broccolini roasts, toss the peeled shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and seasoning to taste. This blend infuses the shrimp with smoky, spicy heat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp just 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy, making sure they remain the highlight of the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the fun part: plating! Serve the spicy Cajun shrimp over a generous bed of your creamy mashed potatoes with the roasted broccolini elegantly nestled alongside. The combination showcases a beautiful contrast of colors and textures that promise a harmonious dinner experience every time.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the finishing touch, garnish your dish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if you love that extra zest and herbal freshness. Serve straight away to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best, the mash as creamy as ever, and the broccolini crisp and flavorful.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice instantly elevates the dish, introducing vibrant green color and bright citrus notes. These simple touches complement the warmth and spice from the Cajun shrimp and enliven the overall plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a complete meal, you can add a crisp garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce from the shrimp. A light cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the shrimp skewered or arrange the shrimp in a spiral pattern over the mashed potatoes, placing the broccolini artistically to the side. You could also drizzle a bit of garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon over the whole plate for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the shrimp, mashed potatoes, and broccolini refrigerated and consume within two days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, shrimp and broccolini tend to lose their texture after freezing. If freezing is necessary, freeze the mashed potatoes alone in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. It’s best to prepare the shrimp and broccolini fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp quickly in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through, and reheat broccolini in a hot oven or microwave to retain some crispness without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper searing.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The heat level comes mainly from the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, but both can be adjusted to your liking. For a milder version, reduce or omit cayenne pepper; for more kick, add a pinch more to the spice blend.
What is the best potato for creamy mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content yields a fluffy, smooth texture that blends beautifully with butter and cream for luxuriously creamy mashed potatoes.
Can I substitute broccolini with another vegetable?
Definitely! Asparagus, green beans, or even roasted Brussels sprouts would work wonderfully, offering a similar roasted texture and a slightly bitter green vegetable balance to the rich mashed potatoes and spicy shrimp.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prep some components in advance. Mashed potatoes can be made ahead, and shrimp can be seasoned early, but it’s best to cook shrimp fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Broccolini, however, is best roasted just before serving to retain crispness.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe is like inviting a burst of flavor and comfort to your dinner table. It’s approachable enough for weeknight meals but special enough to impress guests. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your favorites to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves, fire up your stove and oven, and enjoy every spicy, creamy, roasted bite!
Print
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
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This flavorful Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini recipe combines spicy, perfectly cooked shrimp with creamy mashed potatoes and tender roasted broccolini, making for a balanced and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
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 well and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash 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. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Cook Broccolini: Roast the broccolini for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Optionally, sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the Cajun shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes alongside the roasted broccolini.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your meal fresh and hot!
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
- Using russet potatoes gives a creamier mashed potato, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well too.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking.
- To add a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
