If you’re looking for a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home, this Spicy Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff is exactly what you need. It combines juicy Cajun-style blackened shrimp with a rich, creamy stroganoff sauce and tender pasta for a meal that’s packed with bold flavor in every bite.
The smoky spice from the shrimp balances beautifully with the silky sour cream sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s both indulgent and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Rich and creamy comfort food with a spicy twist
- Packed with protein from shrimp
- Easy enough for beginners
- Perfect for family dinners or date nights
- Customizable spice level
Ingredients
For the Blackened Shrimp
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Recommended Brands
- Old Bay or McCormick spices
- Wild-caught shrimp whenever available
- Kirkland Signature Olive Oil
For the Stroganoff Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340g) egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra black pepper
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Before you begin, gather the following:
Cookware
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Large pot
- Colander
Preparation Tools
Utensils
Optional but Helpful
- Instant-read thermometer
- Microplane grater for fresh garlic
- Kitchen timer
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Place shrimp in a mixing bowl.
- Add olive oil.
- Combine all blackening spices in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle over shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Let sit for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
- Slice mushrooms into thin pieces.
- Finely dice onion.
- Mince garlic.
- Chop fresh parsley.
- Measure remaining sauce ingredients.
Having everything prepped beforehand makes cooking much smoother.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add egg noodles.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Set noodles aside.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Blacken the Shrimp
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp.
- Cook for 2 minutes on the first side.
- Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
The shrimp should be slightly charred and fully opaque.
Internal temperature: 145°F (63°C)
Remove shrimp and set aside.
Secret Tip
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a beautiful blackened crust.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the same skillet.
- Add onions and mushrooms.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables.
- Stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
- Add Worcestershire sauce.
- Add Dijon mustard.
- Add paprika.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Add sour cream gradually while whisking.
Important: Do not boil after adding sour cream or it may separate.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add cooked noodles to the sauce.
- Toss gently until coated.
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Simmer for 1 minute.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while hot.
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
- Extra smoked paprika
Side Dish Ideas
- Garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans with butter
For Entertaining
Serve in a large shallow serving bowl with extra shrimp arranged on top for a beautiful presentation.
Additional Tips and Variations
Make It Spicier
Add:
- Extra cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Cajun seasoning
Lower-Carb Option
Replace noodles with:
- Zucchini noodles
- Spaghetti squash
- Cauliflower rice
Extra Flavor Boosters
- Splash of white wine in the sauce
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
- A few drops of hot sauce
- Smoked paprika garnish
Protein Swaps
Try using:
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Steak strips
- Turkey sausage
Dairy-Free Version
Use:
- Coconut cream
- Dairy-free sour cream
- Vegan butter
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 565 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Total Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 245mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Potassium | 520mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure proper blackening.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
The shrimp freezes well, but creamy sauces can separate after thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini mushrooms offer the best flavor, but white button mushrooms or baby bellas work wonderfully too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and shrimp separately up to one day ahead. Reheat gently and combine before serving.
How can I make it healthier?
- Use light sour cream
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt
- Add extra vegetables
- Use whole wheat pasta
Wrap-Up
This Spicy Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff takes two comfort food favorites—blackened Cajun shrimp and creamy stroganoff—and combines them into one unforgettable meal. The smoky spices, juicy shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and velvety sauce create a perfect balance of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
Fun fact: Traditional stroganoff originated in Russia and was typically made with beef. This shrimp version gives the classic dish a Southern-inspired twist while keeping all the creamy comfort that made stroganoff famous in the first place.
Once you try this recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most requested family dinners. It’s creamy, spicy, satisfying, and packed with flavor from the very first bite to the last.
