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 (1 pound 13 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 25 reviews

There’s something truly special about a dish that’s both hearty and full of vibrant flavors — that’s exactly what this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe delivers. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want comfort food with a little kick, yet it feels fresh and satisfying every time. The richness of the spices blended with tender shrimp and creamy cannellini beans makes this a standout weeknight dinner or even a weekend treat.

What I love about this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe is its perfect balance between smoky, spicy, and subtly sweet notes thanks to the Calabrian chili paste and golden raisins. It’s impressive enough to serve to guests but easy enough that you can whip it up after work. Trust me, once you try it, this will be on your “go-to” list for sure.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold Flavor Fusion: The combination of smoked paprika, Calabrian chili paste, and chili powder creates a deep, smoky heat that wakes up every bite.
Balanced Textures: Tender shrimp meets creamy cannellini beans and crunchy veggies, making the stew satisfying and fun to eat.
One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes and a fantastic blend of flavors from the bacon fat to the sautéed veggies.
Sweet Heat Contrast: Golden raisins add a surprising sweet note that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy elements.

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 uses ingredients that bring incredible flavors and textures together — plus, I always recommend using fresh veggies and quality shrimp for the best outcome.

Chili powder: Provides that classic smoky warmth essential for Cajun cooking.
Garlic powder: Adds a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that blends well without overpowering.
Smoked paprika: Gives a rich, earthy smokiness that deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
Calabrian chili paste: Brings a delicious, spicy tang with a little fermented complexity — not too hot, just right.
Olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp and build the base fat for cooking.
Colossal shrimp: I find the larger size makes the dish feel extra special and the shrimp stay juicy.
Bacon: Renders down to add incredible smoky fat and crisp bits to the beans.
Celery, onion, carrot: Classic mirepoix veggies that build sweetness and body to the stew.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the savory aroma when sautéed.
Low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the stew moist and flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Golden raisins: These little pops of sweetness balance the heat and add an unexpected twist.
Cannellini beans: Creamy beans add heartiness and soak up all those spices beautifully.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish for a fresh finish.
Lemon wedges: The acid cuts through the richness and brightens every bite.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

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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

One of the best things about this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe is how flexible it is — I’ve tried several tweaks and every time it’s been delicious in a new way. Feel free to adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Spice it up: I love adding a pinch of cayenne if I’m in the mood for extra heat — it really wakes up the dish.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and bacon, and add smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-powered version.
Seasonal swap: When carrots aren’t in season, I sometimes use diced butternut squash for a sweet, nutty twist.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Start by whisking together chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Calabrian chili paste with olive oil in a bowl. Toss the shrimp in this flavorful marinade so every piece gets coated. Next, heat a large cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot — this helps you get that wonderful blackened crust. Cook the shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until they’re just cooked through and lightly charred. Don’t overcook, or they’ll get tough! Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Render the Bacon and Sauté Veggies

Using the same skillet, add the bacon pieces and cook them until the fat is rendered out and the bacon’s crispy — this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The bacon fat left behind is pure flavor gold. Toss in diced celery, onions, and carrots, then cook until the veggies soften, about 9 to 10 minutes. They’ll soak up the bacon fat and get sweet and tender — this is where the stew really builds its base.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Simmer with Stock and Beans

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn. Pour in your low-sodium chicken stock along with the golden raisins, then season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then add your cannellini beans. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender and the broth thickens to a stew-like consistency, about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer lets all those flavors marry perfectly — it’s worth the wait.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once your beans and veggies are perfectly tender and saucy, lay those beautiful blackened shrimp right on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and place lemon wedges alongside for squeezing. Serve everything warm and enjoy the comforting blend of smoky, spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors in each bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe

Don’t Skip the Blackening: That little char on the shrimp is where the smoky depth comes from, so get your pan hot and don’t overcrowd it.
Low-Sodium Stock is Key: It’s easier to control seasoning when you start with less salt in your broth.
Be Patient With the Simmer: Letting the beans and veggies reduce slowly develops that rich, thick stew consistency everyone will love.
Add Raisins When Simmering: Adding the raisins too early or late hurts their texture — simmering with the stock softens them perfectly.

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 always reach for fresh parsley because it adds a lovely burst of color and freshness against the rich stew. A squeeze of lemon right before eating really brightens the smoky, spicy flavors — don’t skip it! If you like a little extra heat, a light drizzle of hot sauce on top is a game-changer.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of French bread to soak up that thick, flavorful sauce. I also love serving it with steamed rice or creamy grits for a true Southern-inspired meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe in individual cast iron skillets — it makes the presentation rustic and cozy. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dollop of tangy sour cream gives an unexpected twist and richness that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, so I recommend making it a day ahead if you can — just reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, except for shrimp which I prefer to add fresh when reheating. Freeze the bean and veggie stew separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the bean stew gently in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add fresh shrimp seasoned and quickly sear them separately, then combine right before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve that nice blackened crust without steaming the shrimp.
How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe?

This recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the Calabrian chili paste and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by increasing or reducing the chili paste or adding extra cayenne for more kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Skip the shrimp and bacon and substitute with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to keep the rich flavor while making it plant-based.
What can I serve with Cajun Shrimp and Beans for a complete meal?

Crusty bread, rice, grits, or a fresh green salad all make excellent sides. They help balance the rich and spicy stew and round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp and Beans Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it marries flavors in a way that’s rich, comforting, yet fresh and exciting. I hope you give it a try soon — it’s exactly the kind of dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone you’re cooking for. Plus, it’s a wonderful canvas for adding your personal touch, so make it yours and enjoy the delicious journey!