Shrimp and creamed corn is a delightful summer dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant, one-pan meal combines succulent shrimp with sweet corn in a creamy sauce inspired by Mexican street corn. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The blend of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is satisfying and memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, feta cheese, and fresh ingredients creates a unique taste that stands out.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Highlighting fresh corn and shrimp makes this dish ideal for summer gatherings.

Tools and Preparation
To ensure your cooking experience is smooth, gather these essential tools before you begin. Having the right equipment on hand will make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and easy stirring of ingredients.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping the shrimp without breaking them while mixing well with the sauce.
- Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices and liquids for perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, large – about 15-20 count per pound)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
For the Creamed Corn Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (I used 2 ears of grilled or boiled corn)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 oz feta cheese (divided; it’s best to use a block of feta that you crumble yourself)
For Garnish
- 2 small limes
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with chili powder and salt.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamed Corn Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of salted butter.
- Once melted, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add cooked corn kernels to the skillet along with smoked paprika.
- Pour in the half-and-half, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Crumble half of the feta cheese into the mixture, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.
- Garnish with remaining crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp and Creamed Corn! This recipe not only showcases incredible flavors but also proves that you can whip up something extraordinary in no time at all!
How to Serve Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
Serving shrimp and creamed corn is a delightful experience that highlights the dish’s creamy texture and bold flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Serve with Fresh Lime
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for a burst of acidity that complements the creaminess.
Garnish with Cilantro
- Top your shrimp and creamed corn with freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside crusty bread or baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add Avocado Slices
- Include ripe avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats, enhancing the overall texture.
How to Perfect Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
Perfecting your shrimp and creamed corn can take this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to help you master it.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and corn will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Control heat carefully: Cook shrimp until just pink; overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust chili powder or add cayenne for extra heat.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the mixture to simmer briefly after adding half-and-half for richer flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
Pairing side dishes with shrimp and creamed corn can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options to consider.
Garlic Bread
A perfect companion that adds crunch and garlic flavor, making it easy to mop up sauce.Coleslaw
A fresh, crunchy coleslaw balances the richness of the creamed corn while adding a refreshing element.Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers grilled alongside bring additional color and nutrients.Cilantro Lime Rice
Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro complements the vibrant flavors of the main dish.Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread pairs well, echoing the corn theme while adding texture.Mixed Green Salad
A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making shrimp and creamed corn, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.
- Using frozen shrimp – Fresh shrimp enhances the dish’s flavor significantly. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Overcooking the shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking can make it rubbery. Cook until just pink and opaque for tender results.
- Neglecting seasoning – Proper seasoning is key for flavor. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and spices to your preference.
- Skipping fresh ingredients – Fresh corn and herbs provide vibrant flavors. Avoid canned corn when possible for a fresher taste.
- Not letting the sauce thicken – A creamy sauce should be rich and thick. Allow it to simmer long enough to achieve the desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for best quality.
Freezing Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan)
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about shrimp and creamed corn that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is the best way to prepare shrimp for this recipe?
For this dish, use large, peeled, and deveined raw shrimp. Fresh shrimp yields the best flavor and texture.
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
While you can use canned corn, fresh or frozen corn provides better flavor and texture that complements the dish.
How can I customize my Shrimp and Creamed Corn?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Adjust spices based on your heat preference too!
Is Shrimp and Creamed Corn (30 Minutes, One-Pan) gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and creamed corn is an easy yet flavorful dish that captures summer’s essence perfectly. Its versatility allows you to customize with different vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Shrimp and Creamed Corn
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Shrimp and Creamed Corn, a delightful one-pan dish ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with sweet corn in a creamy sauce inspired by Mexican street corn. With its rich textures and flavor explosion, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy every bite without the fuss. Serve it as a main course or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp seasoned with chili powder and salt; cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent (4-5 minutes). Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in corn and smoked paprika, then add half-and-half. Mix well and crumble half of the feta into the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve garnished with lime juice, remaining feta, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs or adjust spices to your liking. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance nutrition.