This vibrant, flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini is absolute dinner magic. Succulent shrimp coated in a zesty, smoky Cajun seasoning mingle with the creamiest mashed potatoes, while tender broccolini brings a pop of freshness and color. In just about 40 minutes, you’re rewarded with a balanced, eye-catching meal that dazzles your taste buds and brings a restaurant-worthy experience straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something bold on a weeknight or looking to impress friends, this dish checks all the boxes for simplicity, speed, and serious flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a short list of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. This is the beauty of Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini: there’s nothing fancy, but every element brings key flavor, texture, or color to the table. Let’s break it down so you know exactly why each part matters.
- Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for best tenderness and ease; they soak up the Cajun seasoning wonderfully.
- Cajun seasoning: Delivers bold, smoky heat and depth—homemade or store-bought work equally well, so adjust for your spice preference.
- Olive oil: Used for both shrimp and broccolini, it helps everything roast or sauté to a beautiful golden finish while enhancing flavor.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Naturally buttery and creamy when mashed, these potatoes are perfect for soaking up the juices from the shrimp.
- Milk: Just a splash brings extra creaminess to the mash without making it heavy.
- Butter: The classic mashed potato secret; use a generous amount for that rich, velvety texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component of the dish; don’t be shy here for balanced flavor.
- Broccolini: Slightly sweeter and more tender than broccoli, it roasts up beautifully and brings color and crunch.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, aromatic edge to the broccolini, tying it all together.
- Lemon wedges: That bright, citrusy finish is like the final touch of sunshine on your plate—don’t skip it!
How to Make Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini
Step 1: Roast the Broccolini
Start your journey to a stunning plate by preheating your oven to 425°F. Arrange the broccolini on a large baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over, and toss everything together until coated. Trust me, the high heat gives the broccolini crispy edges but keeps the stems tender inside—so irresistible! Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping once, until you see just-charred tips.
Step 2: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Meanwhile, let’s give those Yukon golds some love. Place your peeled, cubed potatoes in a pot, cover them with cold water, sprinkle with salt, and bring to a boil. This ensures even cooking and well-seasoned spuds. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return them to the pot—you want that residual heat for maximum fluffiness. Add butter, milk, more salt, and pepper, then mash until creamy and smooth. No need for fancy gadgets; a basic masher works beautifully here.
Step 3: Cook the Cajun Shrimp
While the potatoes and broccolini are working, toss your shrimp in a bowl with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated for the punchiest flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot. Add the shrimp in a single layer; they should sizzle instantly! Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re opaque, just curling, and have slightly crispy edges. Don’t overcook—just until they’re barely firm for succulent bites every time.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Now comes the most satisfying part: assembly. Spoon a generous scoop of mashed potatoes onto each plate, add a pile of those Cajun shrimp right on top, and nestle the roasted broccolini alongside. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten it all up. Dig in while everything’s steaming hot—you’ve just made Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini like a pro!
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini
Garnishes
Freshness is the name of the game! Scatter a few snipped chives, a sprinkle of parsley, or thinly sliced green onion over your Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini for color and extra flavor. The lemon wedges served alongside aren’t just for looks—they add a customizable zip that wakes up all the other flavors.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Or, pair with cornbread or warm dinner rolls to soak up any extra juices from your shrimp and potatoes. A glass of zesty white wine pairs deliciously, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, try serving your Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini family-style on a big platter—let everyone build their perfect bite. For a more dramatic effect, scoop your mashed potatoes in a ring and arrange the shrimp around the center, broccolini fanned out along the side. Impress guests with small, individual cast-iron pans for a bistro feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you have leftovers, allow everything to cool before transferring the mashed potatoes, broccolini, and Cajun shrimp to separate airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components apart helps maintain their best taste and texture.
Freezing
Mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. The shrimp and broccolini are best fresh, but if you need to, you can freeze them separately for up to a month—be gentle with the reheating process to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with an extra splash of milk to restore creaminess. Broccolini can be quickly reheated in a hot skillet or briefly in the microwave. For shrimp, warm in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long, or they’ll turn rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini?
Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely under cold running water or overnight in the fridge, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures they sear perfectly and absorb the Cajun flavors.
What can I substitute if I don’t have broccolini?
Broccoli or asparagus make excellent alternatives. Just adjust roasting times—thicker broccoli florets may need a few extra minutes, while asparagus may roast a little faster.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level totally depends on your Cajun seasoning! Choose a milder blend, or add more for extra kick. You can always serve with additional lemon to brighten and cut the heat, so everyone’s happy.
Is Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning has no hidden flour or wheat ingredients. Always double-check spice labels just in case.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You sure can—feel free to boil and mash the potatoes earlier in the day, then reheat and fluff just before serving. The shrimp are best cooked right before eating, but the broccolini can be roasted ahead and quickly warmed up when it’s time to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so inviting and satisfying about Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight treat or a special occasion, this recipe delivers huge flavor without the fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a new favorite at your table—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cajun Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Broccolini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring Cajun-spiced shrimp served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted broccolini. This recipe is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Broccolini:
- 1 bunch broccolini (trimmed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for broccolini)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and roast the broccolini: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss broccolini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–18 minutes.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Cajun shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Cook in a skillet until opaque and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Plate mashed potatoes, top with Cajun shrimp, and serve with roasted broccolini and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
- You can substitute broccoli or asparagus for the broccolini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
