Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables Sheet Pan Meal

Name: Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables Sheet Pan Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 bell pepper, any color, chopped; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1/2 red onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: September 29, 2025

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No heading needs to be written for the introduction. There are some weeks where the thought of cooking anything elaborate after a long day just makes me want to order takeout. We’ve all been there, right? That’s exactly how I felt one Tuesday evening, staring into a fridge that seemed to mock my lack of culinary inspiration. I needed something quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, but I was running on fumes. That’s when I discovered the magic of sheet pan cooking, and this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe quickly became my absolute go-to. It’s a lifesaver for those busy nights, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, delicious meal with minimal effort and even less cleanup. For years, I’ve been refining quick, healthy dishes, and this one truly stands out for its sheer ease and incredible taste.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe

Making Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables transforms simple ingredients into something special, and it’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It truly hits all the sweet spots for a home cook!

Lightning-Fast Prep: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks on one sheet pan – hooray for less washing up!
Big, Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning brings a fantastic kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.

The Appeal of Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

This Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe is a standout because it’s incredibly versatile and wonderfully healthy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without fuss, but impressive enough for a casual dinner with friends. The natural sweetness of the shrimp perfectly balances the zesty seasoning, making every bite a delight.

Essential Equipment for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Making Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables doesn’t require any fancy gadgets. You likely already have everything you need right in your kitchen! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, both in ingredients and tools.

Tools for Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

For your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables, you’ll definitely want a large baking sheet to ensure everything cooks evenly, and parchment paper is a must for easy cleanup. A big mixing bowl also helps for tossing all those delicious ingredients together.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

The secret to perfect Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables lies in using fresh, quality ingredients that truly shine when roasted. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple items can come together to create such a vibrant and satisfying meal. I always make sure I have these on hand for a quick dinner fix!

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables - detail 1

Preparing Your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables Ingredients

Having your ingredients prepped and ready is key for making Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables a breeze. You’ll want 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, so they’re ready to absorb all that delicious seasoning. Grab 1 bell pepper (any color you like!), 1 zucchini, and 1/2 a red onion, all chopped into bite-sized pieces. Measure out 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Prepare Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Making Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables is incredibly straightforward, which is one of the many reasons it’s a weeknight superstar in my kitchen! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table with minimal fuss. I’ll walk you through each step, ensuring your shrimp is perfectly cooked and your vegetables are tender-crisp. Pay attention to the timing, as shrimp cooks quickly, and we want to avoid any rubbery textures.

Step-by-Step Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables Cooking Guide

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables dish ready in no time. The key is to prepare everything efficiently and let your oven do most of the work!

Preheat and Prepare for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

To begin your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables adventure, preheat your oven to a hearty 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s piping hot when your pan goes in. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this is my secret weapon for super easy cleanup!

Seasoning Your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Next, grab a large bowl and combine your peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss it all together really well, making sure every piece of shrimp and every vegetable is beautifully coated in that zesty spice blend.

Roasting and Serving Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Spread your seasoned Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you like, and serve it up immediately!

Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

The secret to perfect Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables truly lies in a few key details. Don’t overcrowd your sheet pan; giving everything space ensures roasting, not steaming. Also, keep a close eye on the shrimp; they cook fast, and overcooked shrimp can get rubbery. Trust your nose and eyes – when they’re pink and opaque, they’re ready!

Customizing Your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Feel free to get creative with your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables! Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or broccoli florets for extra green. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste – more for a fiery kick, less for a milder flavor. It’s all about making it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Once your Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables are out of the oven, the serving possibilities are endless! For a hearty, complete meal, I love serving it alongside fluffy white rice or a nutritious quinoa pilaf. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a fantastic pairing. You can also scoop it into warm tortillas for quick and flavorful tacos!

Storing and Reheating Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend gently warming them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

I get a lot of questions about this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe, and I love helping fellow home cooks succeed! Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to make your dish perfect every time.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely before seasoning and cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them roast beautifully instead of steaming.

How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe?

The spice level in this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe is moderate, leaning towards zesty with a pleasant kick. If you love heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper. For less spice, start with just 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.

What other vegetables can I add to Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables?

This Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe is super flexible when it comes to veggies! Cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, broccoli florets, asparagus, or even sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just ensure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables

Please note that the nutritional values provided for this Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables recipe are estimates. They can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, the exact portion sizes, and any substitutions or additions you might make. This information is intended as a general guide, not a precise dietary calculation. For more cooking inspiration, you can visit BBC Good Food.