Go Back
- Shrimp and Vegetables - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium zucchini, sliced - 1 small red onion, sliced - Seasonings and Oils - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped The key to this dish is a mix of fresh shrimp and colorful veggies. The bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, while zucchini brings a nice soft texture. I love using large shrimp because they hold up well in the oven. The spices and oils blend together to give the shrimp and veggies a bold flavor. I always recommend using fresh ingredients. They enhance the taste of your meal and make it look great. Olive oil helps the spices stick and adds richness. The Cajun seasoning gives that signature kick, while garlic powder and smoked paprika deepen the flavor. Don’t forget the garnish! Fresh parsley adds a bright touch and freshness to the dish. You can also add lemon wedges for a zesty twist. This recipe is not just easy; it’s full of vibrant flavors that everyone will enjoy. Cleaning and Preparing Shrimp To start, wash your shrimp under cool water. Remove the shells and tails if you haven't done this yet. Make sure to devein the shrimp. This means taking out the dark line along the back. This step keeps the shrimp clean and tasty. Preparing the Vegetables Next, wash the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips. Cut the zucchini into rounds. Finally, slice the red onion into thin pieces. Make sure all pieces are similar in size. This helps them cook evenly. Combining Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl Take a large mixing bowl. Add the cleaned shrimp and all the sliced vegetables. You want everything to fit in the bowl without spilling. Ensuring Even Coating with Spices Drizzle the olive oil over your shrimp and veggies. Then, sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, use a large spoon to toss everything together. Mix until the shrimp and veggies look well-coated. Preheating the Oven Before you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for even cooking. Arranging on a Sheet Pan Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. Spread the shrimp and veggies in a single layer on the pan. Avoid stacking them to ensure they cook well. Baking Time and Temperature Now, place the sheet pan in the hot oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. The veggies should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they bake. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! To make your own Cajun seasoning, mix these spices: - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less for mild) - Salt and pepper to taste Adjusting the spice level is easy. Start with less cayenne pepper if you prefer milder heat. Taste as you mix to find your perfect blend. To avoid overcooked shrimp, watch the cooking time. Shrimp cook fast. Look for them to turn pink and curl slightly. This signals they are ready. For veggies, aim for tender yet crisp pieces. Cut bell peppers and zucchini into equal sizes. This ensures they cook evenly. If you like a bit of crunch, check them a few minutes early. Serve the Cajun shrimp and veggies on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright touch. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. These sides soak up the flavors well. You can also add a fresh salad for a nice contrast. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs or breasts work great. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them the same way as shrimp. Tofu is also a tasty option. Use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes. Both options will soak up the Cajun flavors well. Feel free to change the veggies based on what’s in season. In spring, try adding asparagus or snap peas. In summer, zucchini is perfect, but consider corn or cherry tomatoes too. Fall brings great choices like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. Winter can include root veggies like carrots or parsnips. Mix and match for a fresh taste. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of seasoning. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also enhance the dish without heat. Customize it to your taste for maximum enjoyment! - Best Practices for Refrigeration After your meal, let the dish cool down. Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours. Store shrimp and veggies in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh for up to three days. - Container Recommendations Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These materials work best for keeping food fresh. Label your containers with the date. This helps you know when to eat them. - Keeping Shrimp and Veggies Fresh When reheating, do it gently. High heat can make shrimp tough. Aim for a medium heat to keep the shrimp tender and veggies crispy. - Methods for Reheating You can reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. On the stovetop, use a non-stick pan. Add a little olive oil and heat until warm. - Preparing in Advance for Busy Weekdays You can cut the veggies and season the shrimp a day before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This saves time when you are ready to cook. - Freezing Options for Long-Term Storage If you want to save more, freeze the shrimp and veggies before cooking. Place them in freezer bags, remove air, and seal. They can last up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. You can tell shrimp are cooked by looking at their color and shape. When raw, shrimp are gray. When cooked, they turn bright pink. They also curl into a C shape. If they are tight and curled into an O shape, they are overcooked. To cook shrimp perfectly, aim for 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. Check them at the 15-minute mark. If they are pink and firm, they are ready. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before using. Thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge for best results. If you’re short on time, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick better when you mix them. Several side dishes pair well with Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and veggies. Consider these options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Garlic bread - Coleslaw - Mixed green salad These sides add flavor and help balance the meal. Enjoy your delicious Cajun shrimp with your favorite sides for a tasty feast! We've covered the key steps to make delicious sheet pan Cajun shrimp and veggies. You learned about the ingredients, how to prep, season, and bake them perfectly. Remember, adjust spice levels and try different proteins or veggies for variety. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy making this dish and impress your friends with your cooking skills. Simplicity and flavor come together in this recipe, making it a fun meal for busy days. Keep experimenting, and let the kitchen be your playground!

Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Veggies

Elevate your dinner game with this Sizzling Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Veggies recipe! In just 30 minutes, enjoy the perfect blend of succulent shrimp and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. This one-pan meal is not only simple but bursting with flavor! Click through to discover easy cooking steps and presentation tips that will impress your family and friends. Dive into deliciousness tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 medium zucchini, sliced

1 small red onion, sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.

      Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

        Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated in the oil and spices.

          Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

              Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Cajun shrimp and veggies on a large platter, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Consider pairing with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.