If there’s one dish that screams summer-in-a-skillet, this is it: Shrimp and Creamed Corn. It’s quick, creamy, spicy, and packed with fresh flavor in every single bite. Think: seared chili-dusted shrimp, buttery sweet corn, a feta-laced cream sauce, and a finishing squeeze of lime to bring it all together. You’re gonna want seconds—trust me.
Inspired by Mexican street corn (you know, the kind slathered in mayo, chili, and cotija or feta), this dish levels up your regular weeknight shrimp routine. Best part? It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Minimal cleanup, max flavor.
This dish works just as well on a cozy weeknight as it does when you’re hosting friends. It’s classy but casual. Fancy but no-fuss. And it’s wildly versatile—you can serve it over rice, scoop it up with bread, or pair it with grilled veggies.
Serve this Shrimp and Creamed Corn dish alongside this savory shrimp boil for a coastal feast
Table of contents
Why This Dish Belongs on Your Summer Table
Here’s why this shrimp and corn recipe is a home-run:
- Fresh corn = pure gold: When sweet corn is in season, you just can’t beat that flavor. Grilling it adds even more depth.
- Shrimp cooks fast: This is a true 30-minute meal, including prep time. Perfect for a weeknight win.
- Creamy, spicy, and tangy: With paprika, chili, feta, and lime, this sauce is basically flavor fireworks.
- Easy to customize: Make it lighter with cauliflower rice, or bulk it up with a side of quinoa and roasted veggies.
We love using fresh summer ingredients when they’re at their peak, and this dish is a beautiful reminder that simple really is best when the ingredients shine.
Ingredients
Let’s break it down so you can shop or prep with zero stress. Fresh is best, but I’ll give you a few workarounds too.
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (15–20 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamed Corn
- 2 cups grilled corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn, cut off the cob)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup half-and-half (or substitute with heavy cream for richness)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled from a block (melts way better than pre-crumbled)
- Juice of 1 lime
Garnish & Serving
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
- Extra lime wedges
- Optional: more chili powder or paprika to sprinkle on top
- Serve with: white rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or grilled veggies
Want a bold shrimp pairing? Try these garlic shrimp and broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright—let’s get into the good stuff. You’ll be surprised how easy this one is, even if you’ve never made a cream sauce before.
1. Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Toss them with chili powder and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Build the Creamed Corn Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
- Add onion and cook until softened—about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Toss in your grilled corn and smoked paprika. Stir and cook another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour in half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the feta cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce and everything thickens slightly.
3. Combine and Serve
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and give it one final stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (more chili for heat, more lime for brightness).
- Top with chopped cilantro, extra corn, and a dusting of paprika for color.
Craving more creaminess? This creamy garlic herb chicken is another weeknight favorite.
Shrimp and Creamed Corn
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp and Creamed Corn skillet dinner is the ultimate summer-in-a-pan situation—creamy, spicy, and packed with sweet corn and seared shrimp. It’s easy, fast, and perfect for cozy nights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (15–20 per lb), peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Creamed Corn:
- 2 cups grilled corn kernels (about 3 ears)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lime
- Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Extra lime wedges
- Optional: more chili powder or paprika to finish
- Serve with: rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or grilled veggies
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and toss with chili powder and salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamed Corn: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add corn and paprika, cooking another 2 minutes. Pour in half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Add feta and stir until melted and thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Squeeze in lime juice and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro, extra paprika, and lime wedges. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh grilled corn for best flavor, but frozen or canned (drained) works too. Don’t skip the lime—it brings the whole dish to life. Serve over rice or quinoa, or pair with grilled veggies for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them just as tasty tomorrow.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cream sauces get weird after freezing.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of cream if the sauce needs loosening.
Meal prep tip: Keep rice or sides stored separately for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is bold and creamy, so it pairs well with fresh, clean flavors on the side. Here are some ideas:
- Over a bed of cilantro-lime rice
- With steamed cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter base
- Served alongside grilled asparagus, zucchini, or green beans
- With a salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette
- Add black beans and avocado slices for a Tex-Mex vibe
If you like maize in all its glory, pair it with these bollos de maíz – steamed corn delights
And don’t be shy with garnishes: more lime, more cilantro, maybe a drizzle of chili oil or garlic butter if you’re feeling extra.
More Corn-Based Recipes You’ll Love
You love shrimp and corn? We’ve got more for you. Try these:
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Creamy, zesty, perfect for potlucks
- Chicken and Corn Pasta with Bacon – Smoky and satisfying
- Mexican Street Corn Black Bean Chicken Bake – A full dinner in one dish
- Corn and Zucchini Skillet – Sweet, savory, and summery
For seafood with Italian flair, try this Shrimp Capri recipe
Love Seafood? Keep Going…
If this dish has you on a seafood high, check out some of our most popular ocean-inspired meals:
- Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – Sweet, sticky, and so easy
- Savory Crab Brûlée – Yes, it’s fancy. Yes, it’s delicious.
- Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli – One-pan, no mess, tons of flavor
- Italian Shrimp with Tomatoes and Herbs – Light, bright, and dinner-party ready
Looking for something cozy? These honey garlic salmon bites are a great weekday fix.
Final Thought
So there you have it—Shrimp and Creamed Corn, a skillet dinner that’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and ridiculously fast to make. It brings together the freshest summer flavors in a way that feels special, but never complicated.
Whether you’re feeding yourself after a long workday or looking for a quick dish to impress someone special, this one’s gonna be a hit.
If you made this dish (or added your own twist), tag us @VirileRecipes and share your version—we’d love to see your skillet creations!
Craving more weeknight wins or summer flavors?
Keep exploring with us and don’t forget to bookmark your faves.
Let me know if you’d like a Pinterest pin, recipe card printable, or email teaser for this post!
For more creative baking inspiration and marketing ideas, explore the Pinterest or connect with us on Facebook.