These Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas are tortillas generously filled with savory cilantro lime rice, a rich Creole shrimp mixture, fresh pico de gallo, and generously topped with a delectable cheese sauce. This recipe promises a burst of flavor in every bite, making it an instant family favorite.

THE ULTIMATE CREAMY SHRIMP ENCHILADA RECIPE: AN EASY SEAFOOD DELIGHT

Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates one of the ocean’s most beloved treasures: shrimp! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that will elevate your weeknight dinner or weekend gathering to superstar status without demanding hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress with these irresistibly cheesy, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully creamy Shrimp Enchiladas. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this dish is designed for delicious success and effortless preparation. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family meal to a festive celebration, offering a delightful twist on classic enchiladas with a vibrant seafood flair.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CREAMY SHRIMP ENCHILADAS

What makes these creamy shrimp enchiladas stand out? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled with aromatic cilantro lime rice and fresh, zesty pico de gallo, all wrapped in soft tortillas. But the real magic happens when they’re drenched in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just an enchilada; it’s a comforting, satisfying, and utterly gourmet experience that’s surprisingly simple to create. The secret lies in layering flavors and using a few smart shortcuts that make a big difference in taste and preparation time. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making this an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss.

EXPERT TIPS FOR MASTERING YOUR SHRIMP ENCHILADAS:

• Flavor Foundation with ZATARAIN’S®: To make this recipe effortlessly delicious, we lean on some fantastic culinary allies: ZATARAIN’S® Cilantro Lime Rice and ZATARAIN’S® Creole Seasoning. These products are game-changers, infusing every component of your enchiladas with authentic, deep, and complex flavors that taste like you spent hours simmering. The Cilantro Lime Rice provides a fragrant, tangy base, while the Creole Seasoning gives the shrimp a spicy, aromatic kick that defines the dish. Don’t skip these power-packed ingredients for an unbeatable flavor profile.
• The Art of Layered Flavor: A true chef’s secret to making a simple recipe taste extraordinary is building layers of flavor. For these enchiladas, it means seasoning the shrimp generously, creating a robust cheese sauce, and complementing everything with the vibrant cilantro lime rice and fresh pico de gallo. Each component brings its unique taste and texture, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Smart Shrimp Selection: For ultimate convenience and speed, I highly recommend purchasing shrimp that is already peeled, de-veined, and has the tails removed. This small shortcut saves significant prep time, allowing you to get these delicious enchiladas on the table even faster. If you buy whole shrimp, ensure you clean and prep them thoroughly for the best eating experience.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. When sautéing the shrimp for the filling, cook it just until it barely turns pink, usually 2-3 minutes. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven as the enchiladas bake, so undercooking it slightly in the skillet will ensure it stays tender and juicy in the final dish.
• Warm Tortillas for Flexibility: To prevent your tortillas from tearing and to make them easier to roll, briefly warm them before filling. You can do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-60 seconds, or by quickly heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side until pliable.
• Customizing Your Cheese Sauce: While mozzarella offers a fantastic melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a touch of cream cheese can add different dimensions of flavor and creaminess to your sauce. The key is to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these magnificent creamy shrimp enchiladas. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Remember, using quality ingredients makes all the difference!

• Flour tortillas (6-inch size recommended for easier rolling)
• ZATARAIN’S® Cilantro Lime Rice (prepared as directed on box)
• Pico de gallo (store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra freshness)
• Salted butter (for both the shrimp and the sauce)
• Shrimp (tails removed, peeled & deveined – chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• Minced garlic (freshly minced offers the best flavor)
• ZATARAIN’S® Creole Seasoning (the star spice for that authentic kick)
• All-purpose flour (for creating a smooth roux for the sauce)
• Vegetable broth (the liquid base for our creamy sauce)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (and extra for a cheesy topping)
• Salsa verde (adds a bright, tangy depth to the sauce)
• Sour cream (for ultimate creaminess and a slight tang)

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR SHRIMP ENCHILADAS

Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping dish that will have everyone asking for more. Precision and a little patience will yield the best results!

Preparation & Rice

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, prepare the ZATARAIN’S® Cilantro Lime Rice according to the package directions. This will be the flavorful foundation inside your enchiladas. Once prepared, set the rice aside.

Crafting the Creole Shrimp Mixture

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the chopped shrimp and minced garlic. Immediately season the shrimp generously with ZATARAIN’S® Creole Seasoning. This seasoning is key to developing a rich, savory flavor profile.

Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp just begins to turn pink and opaque. It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl and set aside. Keep the skillet handy, as you’ll use it for the sauce.

Preparing the Irresistible Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those bits of flavor add to the sauce!), melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This roux will thicken your sauce and give it a luxurious base.

Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, pouring it in a steady stream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken. It will initially seem thin, but as it heats, it will achieve a creamy consistency. Whisk in another teaspoon of ZATARAIN’S® Creole Seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.

Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, reduce the heat to low. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or scorching.

Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This creates a wonderfully rich and gooey base.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the salsa verde and sour cream. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. The salsa verde adds a fantastic tang, and the sour cream enhances the velvety texture.

Take 1 cup of this incredible sauce and add it to the reserved cooked shrimp mixture. Stir gently to coat the shrimp, ensuring every piece is infused with the creamy flavor.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Now for the fun part: assembly! Lay out each flour tortilla. Fill each tortilla with approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared cilantro lime rice.

Next, spoon about 1/3 cup of the shrimp mixture over the rice on each tortilla.

Top the shrimp mixture with a couple of tablespoons of fresh pico de gallo. This adds a crucial element of freshness and a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with all remaining tortillas and filling until the dish is full.

Pour the remaining cream sauce generously over the assembled enchiladas, ensuring they are thoroughly covered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for a beautiful, bubbly, golden crust.

Baking to Perfection

Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are beautifully golden-brown. The internal temperature should be hot and thoroughly heated through. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly, making them easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

When ready to serve, top individual enchiladas with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of extra pico de gallo, and a generous drizzle of sour cream. These fresh garnishes add a burst of color and a contrasting coolness that complements the rich, savory enchiladas perfectly. Pair them with a simple green salad or some black beans for a complete meal.

DELICIOUS VARIATIONS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Recipe Variations:

• Spice It Up: For those who love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your shrimp seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. You could also include finely diced jalapeños in your shrimp mixture.
• Cheesy Alternatives: Experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of Oaxaca, Asadero, or even a sharp white cheddar can add unique flavors to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: While this is a shrimp enchilada recipe, you can easily adapt the base by replacing shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.
• Make Your Own Pico de Gallo: For ultimate freshness, try making your own pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. It’s surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and bubbly.
• Can I freeze creamy shrimp enchiladas? While you can freeze them, the texture of the cream sauce and shrimp can sometimes change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, bake first, then allow to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
• What if I don’t have ZATARAIN’S® products? While ZATARAIN’S® adds authentic flavor and convenience, you can substitute. For the Cilantro Lime Rice, use plain cooked white rice and mix in fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. For the Creole Seasoning, use a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
• What side dishes pair well with shrimp enchiladas? These enchiladas are rich and flavorful, so lighter sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a simple corn salad, or traditional refried beans and Mexican rice.

MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES TO EXPLORE:

If you loved these creamy shrimp enchiladas, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic recipes. Expand your culinary repertoire with more easy and flavorful dishes!

• The Best Shrimp Dip
• Shrimp Étouffée
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• One Pan Shrimp and Broccoli
• Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
• White Chicken Enchiladas (For Two)
• Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
• Ground Beef Enchiladas
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• White Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Taco Rice
• Mexican Lasagna
• Slow Cooker Refried Beans
• White Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

These Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas are tortillas filled with cilantro lime rice, Creole shrimp filling, pico de gallo, and topped with a rich cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 8 6-inch flour tortillas
• 1 box Zatarain’s Cilantro Lime Rice, prepared as directed on box
• 1 ½ cups pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade

For the shrimp filling:

• 2 Tablespoons salted butter
• 1 pound fresh shrimp – tails removed, peeled & deveined, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Zatarian’s Creole Seasoning

For the sauce:

• 4 Tablespoons salted butter
• 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• ½ cup salsa verde
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Prepare Zatarain’s Cilantro Lime Rice according to package directions. Then set aside.

For the shrimp mixture:

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the chopped shrimp and garlic. Season shrimp with Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning.
3. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp just starts to turn pink. Note: we are still cooking this in the oven so we don’t want the shrimp to be overcooked. Pour shrimp into a bowl and set aside. In the same skillet, prepare the sauce.

For the sauce:

4. Melt the butter. Add flour and whisk while cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and continue to cook over medium-high heat while whisking constantly. The mixture will start out thin but will thicken up once it cooks. Whisk in Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning.
6. Once the mixture has thickened, lower the heat.
7. Whisk in the mozzarella cheese and stir until melted.
8. Remove mixture from the heat and stir in the salsa verde and sour cream. Whisk until smooth.
9. Add 1 cup of the sauce to the reserved shrimp mixture and stir.

To assemble:

10. Fill each tortilla with 1/3 cup cilantro lime rice.
11. Then top the rice with 1/3 cup of the shrimp mixture.
12. Top the shrimp mixture with a couple tablespoons of prepared pico de gallo.
13. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
14. Pour the cream sauce over the tortillas. Sprinkle top with additional mozzarella cheese.
15. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the enchiladas become golden-brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
16. When serving, top individual enchiladas with chopped cilantro and pico de gallo. Finish with a drizzle of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 773kcal
|

Carbohydrates: 54g
|

Protein: 39g
|

Fat: 44g
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Sodium: 2910mg
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Fiber: 1g
|

Sugar: 15g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ZATARAIN’S®. All opinions and text are my own.

CONCLUSION: A MUST-TRY SEAFOOD MASTERPIECE

There you have it – a truly delicious and surprisingly easy recipe for Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas that promises to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. The combination of succulent Creole-seasoned shrimp, aromatic cilantro lime rice, vibrant pico de gallo, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and incredibly exciting for the palate. It’s proof that a gourmet meal doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with a few smart ingredients and techniques. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this unforgettable seafood feast. Happy cooking!