Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is the ultimate combination of bold Cajun spice, buttery richness, and simple weeknight convenience—ready in just 15 minutes! Each bite bursts with juicy shrimp, roasted sweet corn, and a buttery garlic sauce that’s downright addictive. If you love dinners that feel special but come together with almost no fuss, you’re in for a treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp shines with beautifully simple, power-packed ingredients—each one bringing its own special flavor (and a little color!) to the party. You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish irresistible, just a handful of pantry staples and the freshest shrimp you can find.

• Butter (2 sticks, divided): Rich, salty butter forms the luscious sauce that bathes both the shrimp and corn in mouthwatering goodness.
• Jumbo shrimp (2 lbs, shell on or off): The star of the show! Jumbo shrimp stay juicy and meaty—use shell-on for extra flavor or peeled for easier eating.
• Garlic (4 large cloves, minced): Fresh garlic unleashes a spicy, aromatic zing that complements the heat of the seasoning beautifully.
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): A burst of acid brightens the butter and balances all that savory intensity.
• Corn (4 ears, sliced into 2-inch pieces): Roasted right alongside the shrimp, corn soaks up the spiced butter and adds sweetness and color.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 ½ tbsp): Brings depth and umami—think of it as the backbone tying all the robust flavors together.
• Cajun or seafood seasoning (1 ½ tsp): This is where that signature zing comes from—make it as mild or as spicy as you like!
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp): For an extra tickle of heat in every bite; adjust up or down depending on your crowd.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Deep, smoky notes take the flavor to the next level and give gorgeous color.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): A touch of herbal flavor to balance the savory spices.
• Bay leaves (3): Tucked into the mix for subtle fragrance during roasting—you can remove them before serving.

Variations

Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is the definition of a “blank canvas” recipe—you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand, your personal heat tolerance, or even specific dietary favorites. Swap, add, or adjust… and make it uniquely yours!

• Add Potatoes or Sausage: Toss in precooked baby potatoes or slices of smoked Andouille for a heartier, classic Cajun-style meal.
• Go Lighter on the Butter: For a leaner version, use half the butter and drizzle extra lemon juice or a splash of olive oil before roasting.
• Dial It Up or Down: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit everyone’s spice preference—from a gentle warmth to a fiery feast.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for vegan baking sticks or a quality olive oil for that lusciousness, minus the dairy.

How to Make Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 400°F—this high heat is the key to roasting everything quickly and locking in all those spicy, buttery juices. While the oven is heating, rinse your shrimp in a colander and set them aside to drain well so nothing steams or turns soggy on the sheet pan.

Step 2: Build the Buttery Base

Melt half a stick of butter and pour it into the center of your sheet pan, spreading it around to create a lush, golden bed for the shrimp. This is where that signature flavor starts building, and it guarantees nothing will stick as everything roasts.

Step 3: Arrange and Season

Scatter the shrimp over the buttery center and top them with the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice. Do your best to evenly distribute the shrimp so each one nestles up to the pan—this helps them cook perfectly and soak up all the flavors.

Step 4: Add Corn and Spices

Add in the sliced corn, tucking pieces in and around the shrimp. Generously sprinkle the Cajun (or seafood) seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, and drizzle over the Worcestershire sauce—don’t be shy, as these will create the robust, saucy character of the dish. Finally, nestle in the bay leaves for a subtle, aromatic boost.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Roast

Slice the remaining butter into tablespoon-sized pats, dotting them evenly over the shrimp and corn (they’ll melt into a rich finishing sauce). Slide the pan in the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes—shrimp should curl and turn pink, but keep a close eye! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so pull them the instant they look just cooked through.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

A little freshness goes a long way: shower your Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro, and extra lemon wedges for squeezing. If you’re after real Gulf Coast vibes, try a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning or a few slices of fresh green onion right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is all about those saucy drippings! Serve with crusty French bread for dunking, or spoon your shrimp and corn over steamed white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a bed of creamy grits to soak up every last drop of buttery goodness. A simple green salad or coleslaw brings lovely contrast and crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, set out the whole tray family-style for that dramatic “shrimp boil” look. For a fancier dinner, portion the shrimp and corn into individual bowls, top with a drizzle of sauce, and finish with microgreens or edible flowers. This Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is also fantastic piled into warm tortillas as zesty shrimp tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra? Let the shrimp mixture cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just be sure to separate any leftover corn and sauce so the shrimp don’t get overly soft as they sit.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze cooked Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp, the texture will be softer after thawing. If you must, freeze in single layers and add a little extra butter and lemon when reheating to help restore some of that just-cooked juiciness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently—either in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter and lemon, or in a low oven (300°F) just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn the shrimp rubbery in a flash!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make Sheet Pan Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp part of your own weeknight dinner rotation or a new favorite for guests! It’s quick, undeniably delicious, and impossible not to love. Pour yourself some iced tea, pile up your plate, and let those Cajun buttery aromas work their magic—your table is about to get a whole lot more exciting.

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