Name: Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound colossal shrimp (16/20), peeled, deveined, and tails removed; 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1/4 cup golden raisins; 1 (29-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon, sliced into wedges, for garnish; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 12 reviews

I’ve got to tell you, this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe is one of those comforting yet exciting dishes that you’ll want to make over and over again. The combination of smoky bacon, tender shrimp with a spicy kick, and creamy cannellini beans creates a cozy, flavorful stew that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but also a little special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I especially love about this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe is how adaptable it is — whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, it holds up beautifully. Plus, it’s packed with layers of flavor thanks to the spices and the slow simmering, and it’s super satisfying while still being lighter than some other stews. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll have a new go-to recipe in your rotation.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balancing Act: The smoky bacon and spicy Cajun seasoning create a flavor combo that’s both bold and comforting.
Texture Harmony: Tender shrimp, creamy beans, and soft veggies come together to make every bite interesting and satisfying.
Simple Yet Impressive: It’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours on it — a real crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
One-Pan Magic: Using your skillet efficiently means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with cooked shrimp and beans mixed with small pieces of orange carrot, garnished with chopped green herbs. The shrimp on top are well browned and slightly charred, showing a textured, crispy surface. Lemon wedges are placed around the edge of the skillet, adding bright yellow color. A metal spoon lifts a spoonful of the shrimp and beans mix, focusing on the browned shrimp with green herb sprinkles. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe relies on ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture, from the spices that bring the heat to the beans that add creaminess. Shopping tip — for the best shrimp, grab the biggest fresh or frozen ones you can find, peeled and deveined to make prep a breeze.

Chili powder: Adds smoky warmth without too much heat — a key foundation for the Cajun spice blend.
Garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth and rounds out the spice mix.
Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness that enhances the bacon and shrimp beautifully.
Calabrian chili paste: Brings a punch of fruity heat and complexity; it really makes this recipe stand out.
Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and adds richness to the dish.
Colossal shrimp: Choose large shrimp because they hold up well to the cooking and give a satisfying bite.
Bacon: Renders fat to cook the veggies and adds irresistible smoky, salty flavor.
Celery, yellow onion, carrot: A classic mirepoix combo that builds a flavorful base and adds sweetness and texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is essential here to add fragrance and zing to the stew.
Low-sodium chicken stock: Provides a savory liquid that steeps into the beans and veggies without overpowering.
Golden raisins: The unexpected sweet note that balances the spices and adds brightness.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they soak up all the flavors and make the dish hearty.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color as the final touch.
Lemon wedges: The bright acidity you squeeze on top that wakes up the whole dish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that you adjust to your taste throughout cooking.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to play around with this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in, and you absolutely should too. It’s forgiving and lends itself well to different heat levels or ingredient swaps, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: For a milder version, swap out the Calabrian chili paste for a milder chili sauce or just reduce the amount—my family appreciates this when the kids are around.
Protein swap: Tried it with chicken once when shrimp was scarce, and it held up nicely with some extra cooking time.
Veggie addition: I sometimes add bell peppers or okra for a more traditional Cajun flair and extra texture.
Make it vegetarian: Replace shrimp and bacon with smoked tofu and vegetable broth for a plant-based twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up and Sear the Shrimp

First, whisk together the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Calabrian chili paste with olive oil in a bowl. Toss your shrimp in this spicy mix until they’re evenly coated. Heat a large cast iron skillet until it’s hot but not smoking, then quickly sear the shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes until you see that lovely blackened color on the edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan—do this in batches if you need to. Remove the shrimp and set them aside; this step locks in flavor and gives the shrimp that signature Cajun char.

Step 2: Render the Bacon and Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet, add the bacon pieces and cook them slowly until the fat renders out and the bacon crisps up a bit. This bacon fat is pure gold—don’t drain it because it flavors everything that follows. Then toss in the diced celery, yellow onion, and sliced carrot. Cook this mirepoix until the veggies soften nicely, about 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. This slow sautéing mellows the veggies and builds the stew’s base.

Step 3: Garlic and Simmering Magic

Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it smells incredible—don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken stock and the golden raisins; then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Bring it all to a boil, then stir in the drained cannellini beans. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the broth thickens into a stew-like consistency. This slow simmer lets all the flavors meld and the sweetness from the raisins shine through.

Step 4: Finish with Shrimp and Brightness

Once your stew looks thick and luscious, nestle the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, letting them warm gently. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve the dish with lemon wedges for squeezing. That punch of citrus really brightens each bite and balances the hearty flavors so beautifully. Now, grab your favorite spoon and you’re ready to enjoy!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast, so sear them just until opaque and slightly charred to keep them tender and juicy.
Layer Flavors: Use the bacon fat to sauté your veggies—it adds incredible smoky depth that makes a huge difference.
Simmer Slowly: A slow simmer thickens the broth and lets the sweet raisins balance the spice perfectly.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go and remember, you can always add more salt or spice after simmering.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe

The image shows a white bowl and a black cast iron pan on a red cloth with a white geometric pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. Inside both the bowl and the pan, there are three main layers: the bottom layer has light brown cooked beans mixed with orange carrot slices and bits of translucent onions, the middle layer contains browned, crispy pieces of bacon, and the top layer features seared shrimp with a golden-brown crust sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The pan also has two lemon wedges on top of the shrimp. The food looks warm and well-seasoned. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Then, a generous squeeze of lemon juice right before serving wakes up all those bold flavors. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce if I’m craving more heat.

Side Dishes

This Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty French bread or over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can lighten the meal and add a refreshing crunch, perfect balance for such a hearty stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe in small cast iron skillets or mini cocottes for individual servings—it feels rustic and special. You can also garnish with extra fresh herbs and place the lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze themselves. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation and starts conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months—just be mindful that shrimp can get a little rubbery when frozen, so I recommend freezing the stew without shrimp and adding fresh cooked shrimp when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, so the stew doesn’t dry out or burn on the bottom. If it looks too thick, add a splash of stock or water. If you froze the stew without shrimp, quickly sauté fresh shrimp separately and stir them in at the end to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I make this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe spicier?

Absolutely! If you love heat, just add more Calabrian chili paste or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. You could also top the finished dish with hot sauce to amp up the spice without altering the core stew.
What’s a good substitute if I can’t find Calabrian chili paste?

You can substitute with harissa paste, spicy sambal oelek, or even a good-quality chipotle paste. Each adds a unique flavor, so choose based on your preferred taste and heat level.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the spice mix and sauté the veggies and bacon earlier in the day. When you’re ready, just add your liquids, beans, and shrimp, then finish cooking. This makes weeknight dinner a breeze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken stock and chili pastes are gluten-free brands, which most are, but always good to double-check.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it brings so many comforting and vibrant flavors together with minimal fuss. I hope you find joy making it as much as I do; it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration with every spoonful. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to cook again soon!