Luscious Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe For Taco Tuesday Magic

Yourself savoring these mouthwatering creamy shrimp enchiladas that dance with vibrant Mexican flavors.

Succulent seafood nestles inside soft tortillas, creating a dish that promises pure comfort.

Spices weave their magic, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite tells a story of culinary passion and warmth.

The rich, velvety sauce coating tender shrimp with delectable complexity.

Coastal ingredients merge seamlessly, transporting you to a sunny kitchen filled with delightful aromas.

You’ll want to gather friends and celebrate this incredible meal that makes every dinner feel special.

Why You’ll Enjoy Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Savor Seafood Sensation: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of succulent shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas, creating an irresistible seafood experience that transforms a simple meal into a gourmet delight.
• Whip Up Creamy Comfort: Enjoy the luxurious, velvety sauce that blankets each enchilada, combining rich cheese, cream, and perfectly seasoned spices for a comforting and indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Craft Quick Culinary Magic: Create restaurant-quality enchiladas in under an hour, with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
• Customize Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping shrimp with chicken, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit different tastes, making it a versatile dish that keeps everyone happy.

Everything In Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that forms the heart of the enchilada filling, best when fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the shrimp's flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide a savory foundation for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes, Corn: Fresh vegetables that add moisture, sweetness, and texture to the shrimp filling.

• Butter, Flour: Essential for creating a smooth roux base that thickens the sauce.
• Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquids that create a rich and silky sauce texture.
• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream: Dairy ingredients that contribute creaminess and tangy flavor.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the shrimp filling.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for garnishing and adding fresh notes.
• Optional Side Condiments: Salsa, Guacamole: Complementary accompaniments that add extra flavor.

Directions For Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

Step 1: Sizzle Shrimp Goodness

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until shrimp transform into lovely pink treasures. Fold in diced tomatoes and sweet corn kernels. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up Dreamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 3: Roll and Prepare

Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light grease. Scoop shrimp mixture into soft tortillas, roll them tight like cozy blankets, and nestle them seam-side down.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the velvety sauce over the enchiladas, covering every inch. Sprinkle additional cheese on top. Slide into the oven and bake until the top turns golden and bubbly, around 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Celebrate and Serve

Shower with fresh cilantro. Plate alongside zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, or a crisp salad. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Handy Tips For Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're not rubbery or overcooked.
• Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet before filling to create a barrier that keeps them crisp and prevents sauce absorption.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and spices to match your heat preference, using mild or hot varieties to suit different tastes.
• Prep Ahead Trick: Assemble enchiladas in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version of this dish.

How To Keep Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture and bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover enchiladas with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts nicely.
• Microwave Option: Place individual enchiladas on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and avoiding overheating which can make tortillas tough.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

What Pairs With Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, creamy enchiladas. These light wines complement the seafood's delicate flavor and balance the dish's spicy warmth.
• Match with Refreshing Mexican Cerveza: Crack open a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to enhance the enchiladas' Mexican-inspired profile. The beer's light, crisp character perfectly offsets the creamy sauce and provides a cooling contrast.
• Serve with Bright Citrus Salsa: Prepare a quick lime and orange salsa to add a tangy, fresh dimension to the rich enchiladas. Chop fresh cilantro, red onion, and citrus segments to create a vibrant side that lifts the entire dish's flavor complexity.
• Complete with Fresh Avocado Salad: Whip up a simple avocado, cucumber, and tomato salad dressed with lime juice and olive oil. This light, zesty side provides a cool, fresh counterpoint to the warm, creamy enchiladas.

New Spins On Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Seafood Fiesta Enchiladas: Swap shrimp with a mixed seafood medley of crab, scallops, and white fish for a luxurious ocean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to intensify the heat and create a bolder flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Green Enchiladas: Replace shrimp with roasted poblano peppers, black beans, and sautéed zucchini for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy sauce and cheesy goodness.
• Light Mediterranean Enchiladas: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired transformation with tangy and fresh elements.

Your Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Questions Answered

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Any medium-sized shrimp work great! Fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp are perfect. Just make sure they’re thawed completely before cooking if using frozen.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add some diced jalapeños to the shrimp filling or use a hot chili powder to kick up the heat. You can also include some cayenne pepper if you want an extra spicy punch.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Try substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

• Do I need any special kitchen tools to make these enchiladas?

Not at all! Just a large skillet, saucepan, baking dish, and basic cooking utensils are all you’ll need. This recipe is pretty straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas bring Mexican coastal flavors straight to kitchen tables with zesty goodness. Melted cheese, succulent shrimp, and rich sauce create a mouthwatering meal that draws diners into culinary bliss you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup (120 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream
• 8–10 medium flour tortillas
• 1 cup (120 grams) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics and protein in a skillet with olive oil, creating a fragrant base for the enchilada filling. Incorporate shrimp with a blend of warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, allowing the seafood to turn pink and absorb the rich seasonings.
2. Introduce diced tomatoes and corn into the shrimp mixture, enhancing the filling with vibrant textures and complementary flavors. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Craft a velvety sauce by developing a roux with butter and flour, whisking in broth to create a smooth foundation. Gradually integrate heavy cream, shredded cheese, and sour cream, seasoning with garlic and onion powders to develop a luxurious, creamy consistency.
4. Warm tortillas to increase flexibility, then carefully distribute the spiced shrimp filling along the center of each. Roll tightly, creating compact enchiladas that nestle snugly in a prepared baking dish.
5. Generously drape the creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese across the top for a golden, bubbling finish.
6. Transfer to a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn crisp and the cheese melts into a tempting, bronzed surface.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, offering a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, creamy enchiladas. Serve immediately alongside zesty salsa or creamy guacamole for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Opt for large, fresh shrimp to ensure the best texture and flavor in your enchiladas.
• Toast spices briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their aromatic qualities and depth.
• Keep shrimp slightly undercooked during initial skillet preparation, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven to prevent rubbery texture.
• Drain excess moisture from tomatoes and corn to prevent soggy enchiladas and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Use room temperature cream cheese or sour cream to create a smoother, lump-free sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use low-fat cheese options.
• Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Freeze individual enchiladas wrapped tightly for quick future meals, thawing overnight before reheating.
• Consider adding bell peppers or spinach to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use cornstarch instead of flour and choose gluten-free tortillas.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 180mg