The Best Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe That Wows Every Time

Swimming in a sea of culinary delight, my favorite creamy shrimp enchiladas promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make you swoon.

Cheesy goodness meets tender seafood in this Mexican-inspired masterpiece.

Coastal memories flood back with each incredible bite of these luscious rolls.

Spices dance across succulent shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas, creating magic on your plate.

Fresh ingredients transform ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience you’ll absolutely adore.

My kitchen comes alive with vibrant colors and irresistible aromas that call you closer.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a true culinary adventure!

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas That Win Every Time

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up these shrimp enchiladas in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping shrimp with chicken or adding extra vegetables, making it flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty spices, creamy sauce, and tender shrimp, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience that will impress both family and guests at casual dinners or potlucks.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create a restaurant-style meal without expensive takeout, using simple ingredients and basic cooking skills that even beginner home chefs can master confidently.

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Ingredient Mix

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that provides the primary flavor and texture of the enchiladas, best when fresh and deveined.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy elements that create luxurious texture and contribute to the enchiladas' signature richness.

• Tortillas: Soft carriers for the shrimp filling, preferably flour tortillas for better flexibility.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the dish.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices that provide complex and balanced seasoning for the shrimp.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated flavor boosters for the sauce.

• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and authentic southwestern flavor.
• Corn: Optional vegetable that provides sweet crunch and additional texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for sautéing and creating smooth sauce base.

• Cilantro, Jalapeños, Tomatoes: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and optional heat.

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Prep Guide

Step 1: Saute Succulent Shrimp

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften until fragrant.

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

If using corn, fold it into the mixture and remove from heat.

Step 2: Craft Velvety Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and let it cook briefly.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Green chilies
• Sour cream

Remove from heat and blend in shredded cheese until it melts into a luxurious sauce.

Step 3: Roll Tasty Enchiladas

Warm the oven to 375°F.

Lay out tortillas and fill each with the shrimp mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the creamy sauce over the enchiladas.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the dish is bubbling and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.

Dive into this mouthwatering seafood feast!

Shrimp Enchilada Tips for Creamy Results

• Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for the best texture and easiest preparation, ensuring a clean and quick cooking process.
• Adjust chili powder and paprika to match your heat preference, adding more for extra kick or reducing for milder flavor profiles.
• Cook shrimp just until pink to maintain tenderness, avoiding overcooking which can make them tough and chewy.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the creamy sauce.
• Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Shrimp Enchiladas Storage Plan

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove enchiladas from refrigerator, place in a baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of extra sauce to prevent drying out.

Shrimp Enchiladas Go With These

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy shrimp enchiladas, cutting through the sauce's richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Balance with Mexican Cerveza: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to refresh the palate, its light hoppy flavor perfectly matching the spicy and creamy elements of the dish.
• Create Vibrant Side Salad: Toss a light citrus-dressed mixed green salad with avocado and lime, providing a fresh, tangy contrast to the enchiladas' heavy texture and helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add Cooling Appetizer: Serve fresh pico de gallo or a cucumber-tomato salsa as a starter, delivering a zesty, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy main course and enhancing the overall meal experience.

Shrimp Enchiladas Made With Creamy Additions

• Gluten-Free Shrimp Enchiladas: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to maintain creaminess and add nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb Seafood Wrap: Skip tortillas and serve shrimp mixture over cauliflower rice. Replace traditional sauce with a lighter Greek yogurt-based sauce for reduced calories.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans. Keep the creamy sauce and cheese for a satisfying meatless meal that maintains the original recipe's rich flavors.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized raw shrimp are perfect. They cook quickly and provide the right texture. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp to maintain better flavor and prevent overcooking.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add extra chili powder, include diced jalapeños in the filling, or use hot sauce. You can also choose spicier green chilies to increase heat levels.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour in the sauce. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when preparing the cream sauce.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Warm the tortillas slightly before filling and rolling. Pat shrimp mixture dry before assembling, and don’t overload with sauce. Use fresh, good-quality tortillas for best results.

Delicious Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy shrimp enchiladas bring Mexican coastal flavors straight to dinner tables with zesty charm. Packed with succulent seafood, melted cheese, and a rich sauce, this dish promises a mouthwatering journey you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

MAIN PROTEIN:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

SPICES AND SEASONINGS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) cooked corn (optional)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 small can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup (60g) sour cream
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Diced tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a sizzling base for the shrimp by heating olive oil in a skillet, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce chopped shrimp to the pan, complemented by a vibrant blend of cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp transform into a delicate pink hue, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Incorporate cooked corn into the shrimp mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Set aside the filling while crafting the luxurious sauce.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a golden roux that will thicken the sauce and provide a rich foundation.
5. Gradually stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky smooth consistency.
6. Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and diced green chilies, then fold in sour cream for an extra layer of velvety richness.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the warm sauce, stirring until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing it for the enchiladas’ transformation.
9. Lay out tortillas and generously fill each with the spiced shrimp and corn mixture, adding a sprinkle of cheese before rolling tightly.
10. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish, creating a neat arrangement.
11. Lavishly pour the creamy, cheese-laden sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Scatter remaining cheese on top and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the surface becomes golden and the sauce bubbles enticingly.
13. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes to add a final burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp for consistent texture and optimal flavor absorption in the enchiladas.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by modifying chili powder and adding cayenne pepper for extra kick or reducing spices for milder palates.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cheese Alternatives: Replace regular cheese with dairy-free versions like cashew or almond-based cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 165mg