Shrimp and Corn Skillet

The Shrimp and Corn Skillet is your next go-to recipe when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. With the sweetness of corn, the succulence of seared shrimp, and the spicy creaminess of Cajun seasoning, every bite is a burst of summer freshness. It’s a one-pan dish that’s loaded with color, texture, and heartwarming comfort.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Whether spooned over fluffy rice, twirled into pasta, or served on its own, it brings together Southern flair and coastal flavor in the best way. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh produce and frozen shrimp, delicious and practical!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

• Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté red onion, bell peppers, and corn until softened and lightly charred, about 5–6 minutes.

4. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to coat all the vegetables evenly.

6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley.

7. Optional: Sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese before serving.

8. Serve warm as-is, or over rice, quinoa, or pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Shrimp and Corn Skillet: The Perfect Weeknight Meal Bursting with Summer Flavor

When it comes to creating flavorful meals in a short amount of time, few dishes can match the convenience, freshness, and savory satisfaction of a Shrimp and Corn Skillet. This quick, one-pan recipe combines sweet corn kernels, succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich yet light creamy sauce enhanced with Cajun seasoning. It’s a dish that celebrates seasonal produce, caters to various dietary preferences, and fits seamlessly into the lifestyle of busy home cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition.

The Shrimp and Corn Skillet is a classic example of a Southern-inspired recipe that delivers bold flavors while keeping the ingredient list simple and affordable. At its heart, this dish brings together the natural sweetness of corn with the tender bite of well-seasoned shrimp. The addition of cream gives it a rich texture, while lemon juice and herbs like parsley add freshness and balance. It’s a truly satisfying combination that hits all the right notes: spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory.

Why This Recipe Works

There are a few key elements that make this Shrimp and Corn Skillet a standout recipe:

1. Balanced Flavor Profile

The flavor balance in this dish is impeccable. Sweet corn contrasts with the slightly spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, while the creamy sauce mellows everything out. The bell peppers add a touch of crunch and vibrant color, and lemon juice provides a hit of acidity that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

2. Quick and Easy

From start to finish, this recipe takes just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal. Minimal prep, one skillet, and easy-to-find ingredients mean anyone can make this, even on a busy evening.

3. One-Pan Wonder

This dish all comes together in a single skillet. That means less cleanup and more time to relax and enjoy your meal. It’s also perfect for serving straight from the pan, making it rustic yet charming for a casual dinner setting.

4. Customizable Ingredients

Not a fan of spice? Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. You can also add veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition.

5. Seasonal and Fresh

This is the kind of meal that celebrates the best of summer produce. If you’re lucky enough to get fresh corn during peak season, it will elevate the entire dish. However, it works equally well with frozen corn in the off-season, making it versatile year-round.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

• Shrimp

Shrimp is the star protein in this dish. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and is packed with protein while being relatively low in calories. When shopping, opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save on prep time. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work perfectly; just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking.

• Corn

Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp. Cutting kernels directly off the cob adds freshness and texture, but frozen corn can be a great alternative when fresh is not in season.

• Bell Peppers and Onions

Red and green bell peppers bring color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that enhances the overall profile of the dish. Red onion provides a bit of sharpness that balances out the cream and seafood.

• Garlic and Cajun Seasoning

These aromatics are what give the dish its signature depth. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy, smoky layer that works exceptionally well with seafood and corn. If you prefer a milder version, you can use paprika and a touch of black pepper instead.

• Cream

A splash of heavy cream adds richness and helps tie all the ingredients together into a cohesive sauce. You don’t need much, just enough to coat everything without overpowering the fresh flavors.

• Lemon Juice and Fresh Herbs

Finishing the dish with lemon juice brightens everything and cuts through the creaminess. Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of earthy freshness.

Serving Suggestions

The Shrimp and Corn Skillet is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• Over Rice – The cream sauce soaks beautifully into fluffy white or brown rice.

• With Pasta – Toss the shrimp and corn mixture with linguine or fettuccine for a Cajun-style shrimp pasta dish.

• On Toasted Bread – Serve it over crusty toasted bread for a fun spin on shrimp toast.

• As Tacos – Scoop the mixture into warm corn tortillas and top with avocado and lime crema for easy weeknight shrimp tacos.

• Low-Carb Option – Enjoy it on its own or with a side of sautéed greens for a light, low-carb dinner.

Dietary Modifications

One of the strengths of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt:

• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.

• Gluten-Free: The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain additives or gluten-based fillers.

• Low-Calorie: Skip the cream entirely or replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Vegetarian: Replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian variation.

Tips for the Best Shrimp and Corn Skillet

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast, usually 2–3 minutes per side is all they need. Overcooking makes them rubbery.

• Char the Corn Slightly: Letting the corn caramelize a bit in the pan adds a lovely smokiness and deepens the flavor.

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness that fresh lemon provides.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go when adding Cajun seasoning, it can be potent and vary by brand.

Perfect for Entertaining

This dish is not only fast and easy, but it also presents beautifully. The vibrant yellow corn, pink shrimp, red and green peppers, and creamy sauce make for an eye-catching plate. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold sparkling beverage, and you’ve got a stunning meal fit for guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re hosting a summer gathering, consider serving this alongside:

• A fresh garden salad with citrus vinaigrette

• Grilled garlic bread or cornbread

• A chilled cucumber and tomato salad

• Sweet tea or lemonade

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers. Allow it to cool completely before storing:

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently: Warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.

Note: Reheating shrimp more than once can cause it to become tough, so only reheat what you’ll eat immediately.

Conclusion

The Shrimp and Corn Skillet is the ultimate easy meal that proves weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. It’s a fast, colorful, one-pan wonder packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of guests, this dish checks all the boxes, delicious, nourishing, and beautiful on the plate.

Its flexibility makes it ideal for adapting to seasonal produce and dietary needs, while its robust flavors ensure it will become a regular in your rotation. Once you’ve tried this skillet, you’ll understand why shrimp and corn is such a beloved combination across Southern kitchens and beyond.

So next time you’re pressed for time but still want to enjoy a fresh, flavorful homemade dinner, reach for your skillet and whip up this Shrimp and Corn masterpiece. Your tastebuds (and your schedule) will thank you!