Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff – Spicy, Creamy, and So Satisfying

Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is here to spice up your dinner routine, and trust me, it doesn’t play around. It’s that bold, creamy comfort food you crave—but with a smoky Cajun twist that’ll wake up your tastebuds. Imagine juicy shrimp tossed in fiery seasoning, cozying up with mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and a creamy, dreamy sauce, all spooned over silky fettuccini. This is weeknight dinner magic with a little attitude—and your fork’s gonna love every bite.

If you’ve got a household that includes picky eaters, spice lovers, or someone who always asks “What’s for dinner?” before breakfast is even over—Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is your answer. With easy steps and familiar ingredients, it delivers restaurant-style flavor without the stress (or the price tag). Oh, and leftovers? Let’s just say you might wanna hide them.

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What is Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff?

Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is a Cajun-inspired take on a traditional stroganoff dish—typically known for its beef and creamy mushroom sauce. But in this remix, tender shrimp takes the spotlight, coated in zesty Cajun seasoning and seared to smoky perfection. The sauce stays true to its roots: rich, velvety, and loaded with mushrooms, shallots, and sour cream. But we also stir in roasted red bell peppers and capers for that bright, briny flavor boost.

The whole thing comes together beautifully over fettuccini, giving you all the cozy feels of a pasta night with a splash of bold Southern charm. It’s one of those meals that sounds fancy but is secretly low-effort, high-reward—a total dinnertime win.

Reasons to Try Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

First, let’s talk flavor—because Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff brings it. Between the heat from the Cajun spices and the creaminess of the sauce, it’s a comfort food love story. If you’re tired of rotating the same few recipes each week, this dish is like a fun little plot twist your dinner routine’s been waiting for.

Plus, it’s ready in about 30–35 minutes—faster than takeout and way more satisfying. Got a family with different tastes? This recipe is easy to customize: tone down the spice for the kids or sub in chicken or tofu if someone’s not a shrimp fan. Oh, and it reheats like a champ (hello, next-day lunch).

Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for your partner, or trying to impress your in-laws without breaking a sweat—this dish is your new best friend.

Ingredients Needed to Make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this easy Cajun-meets-creamy pasta dish:

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more, if you like it spicy)
• 6 ounces fettuccini pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped shallots
• ⅔ cup chicken broth (plus 1 additional cup later)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon drained capers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

If you’re ready to bring the bold flavors of Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff into your kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through every part of the process — from seasoning your shrimp to creating that luscious Cajun cream sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, these directions are straightforward and designed to set you up for success (with minimal dishes, too).

Let’s get cookin’!

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

First things first — let’s build flavor from the start. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss 1 pound of fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Make sure every shrimp is well-coated; your hands are the best tools here (but a spoon works if you’re not into the tactile experience).

This step is key for that bold blackened flavor. Let the shrimp sit and marinate while you prep the other ingredients — even just 10–15 minutes makes a difference. If you’re unsure about spice levels or want ideas for homemade seasoning blends, check out our tips in this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake recipe where we share seasoning swaps and flavor boosters.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While your shrimp soaks up all that spicy goodness, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 6 ounces of fettuccini and cook until it’s al dente — tender but still slightly firm to the bite (usually around 8–10 minutes).

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. If you want to prevent it from sticking, toss it with a touch of olive oil. Looking for a low-carb alternative? You can swap in zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash — learn more in our Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet for veggie-forward dinner inspiration.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots

Grab a large frying pan and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cups of sliced mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped shallots. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and slightly golden, and the shallots are fragrant — this usually takes about 6–7 minutes.

Remove the mushroom-shallot mix from the pan and set aside in a bowl. These veggies add that rich, savory base stroganoff is known for — so don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Sear the Blackened Shrimp

Using the same pan (because fewer dishes = happier cooks), turn the heat to medium-high and toss in your seasoned shrimp. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and slightly crisp on the edges.

Keep a close eye here — shrimp cook fast! Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery quickly, and we want juicy, tender bites every time. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover lightly to keep warm.

Want to substitute shrimp? Head to our Healthy Turkey Taco Bowl for guidance on working with lean proteins like ground turkey in saucy recipes.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish — that smooth, tangy, flavor-packed sauce. Still using the same pan, pour in ⅔ cup of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Let it reduce down to about ¼ cup over medium-high heat — this takes just a few minutes and concentrates the flavor.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sour cream with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (this is your thickening agent). Slowly stir in 1 more cup of chicken broth to loosen the mixture.

Once the broth in the pan has reduced, slowly pour in your sour cream mixture, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble — about 2–3 minutes. Let it simmer for 1 more minute so everything melds together.

This creamy sauce is what makes Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff such a comforting, satisfying dish. It’s creamy without being too heavy, and the Cajun seasoning infuses every bite with just the right amount of heat.

Step 6: Combine All the Good Stuff

Return the cooked shrimp and the sautéed mushrooms and shallots to the pan. Add 1 jar (7 oz) of drained and chopped roasted red bell peppers and 1 tablespoon of drained capers. Stir everything gently to combine and warm through for a minute or two.

Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. The capers add a salty punch, so it might not need much!

If you’re wondering how to substitute or skip ingredients like capers or red peppers, we talk about flexible swaps in our Cheesy Quinoa and Black Bean Taco Skillet — great for adapting recipes to fit what’s in your pantry.

Step 7: Plate It Up and Serve

Place a generous scoop of fettuccini on each plate or in shallow bowls. Spoon the blackened shrimp stroganoff mixture over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon, if you’re feeling fancy.

Now pause, admire your creation, and dig in.

If you love creamy pasta dishes like this, you’ll also want to try our Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta — it’s another reader favorite with a rich sauce and quick cook time.

What to Serve with Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

This dish is a full meal on its own, but if you want to build out the plate (or make it stretch a little further), here are some perfect pairings:

• Garlic bread – Classic, crusty, and perfect for mopping up that dreamy sauce.
• A simple side salad – Something crisp and fresh like arugula with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
• Roasted veggies – Think asparagus or green beans for an easy side that complements the Cajun flavors.

Or keep it cozy and go all-in with a Southern twist: serve it with a Healthy Turkey Ricotta Meatball appetizer to really impress your dinner crew.

Key Tips for Making Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook fast! Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Spice it your way – Cajun seasoning blends vary. Taste before you go full tablespoon if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Cornstarch for the win – It thickens the sauce beautifully without needing heavy cream.
• Prep ahead – You can chop the veggies and even marinate the shrimp earlier in the day.
• Make it yours – This recipe is a great base. Add spinach, swap the pasta, or go full veg with tofu.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep the flavor fresh:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce feels too thick.
• Microwave: Works too—just stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy sauce can get a bit weird once thawed.

Planning meals ahead? Try making just the sauce and storing it separately, then cooking fresh pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely—just thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.

Is this super spicy?
Not overly. Cajun seasoning has a kick, but it’s easy to adjust. Start with less and taste as you go.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yep! Sub the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. It still works great.

What if I don’t have capers?
Skip them or sub with chopped olives for a similar salty punch.

What pasta can I use besides fettuccini?
Linguine, penne, or even egg noodles work. If you’re watching carbs, try zucchini noodles.

Final Thoughts

Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is your weeknight dinner hero—bold, creamy, and surprisingly easy. It brings together the comfort of stroganoff with the smoky, spicy flair of Cajun shrimp for a meal that feels fancy but cooks fast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this dish will definitely hit the spot.

And hey—if you love this, you’ll also go crazy for our Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake—another spicy, creamy, totally crave-worthy favorite.

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