Easy Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe (Quick & Flavorful Sheet Pan Dinner)

If you’re searching for a quick, bold, and delicious seafood recipe, this Easy Baked Cajun Shrimp is exactly what you need. Packed with smoky paprika, garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat, this oven-baked shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.

This is one of my favorite homemade shrimp recipes because it’s incredibly simple, requires minimal prep, and uses basic pantry spices. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this Cajun shrimp recipe will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cajun Shrimp

Ready in less than 20 minutes
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for meal prep
Naturally high in protein
Low-carb and keto-friendly
Great for rice bowls, tacos, salads, or pasta

The combination of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano creates a bold Cajun flavor that pairs perfectly with juicy shrimp.

Ingredients

To make this easy baked Cajun shrimp recipe, you’ll need:

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (raw shrimp recommended for best texture)
1 tablespoon canola oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce for less heat)
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon ground oregano

Optional:

Fresh lemon juice
Chopped parsley for garnish

How To Make Baked Cajun Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding oil — this helps the seasoning stick better. Add the oil and gently toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Season the Shrimp

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp. Cover the bowl and gently toss or stir until every shrimp is evenly coated with the Cajun seasoning.

Step 5: Bake

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Cajun Shrimp

Use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked shrimp for the best texture.
Don’t overbake — shrimp become rubbery if cooked too long.
Add fresh lemon juice after baking to brighten the flavors.
If you like extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper.
For extra richness, drizzle melted butter over the shrimp before serving.

Serving Ideas

This baked Cajun shrimp is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:

Over steamed white or brown rice
Tossed with pasta and garlic butter
In shrimp tacos with slaw
On top of a fresh green salad
With roasted vegetables
Inside wraps or sandwiches

It also works great for meal prep bowls with quinoa, avocado, and grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking.

This recipe is not recommended for freezing after cooking, as shrimp can lose their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Is Cajun shrimp very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Cajun Shrimp recipe is bold, smoky, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough for beginner cooks. It’s a dependable weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring complicated steps or ingredients.

Once you try it, this flavorful sheet pan shrimp recipe may become a regular part of your meal rotation — just like it did for me.