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Shrimp in Creamy Corn Sauce

Featured in Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion.

Savor shrimp in a spicy, creamy corn sauce featuring feta and seasonal produce. This quick 30-minute dish combines tender shrimp, fresh corn, and a zesty lime finish. Cooked in one pan, the sautéed shrimp are paired with buttery onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and a rich half-and-half base. Feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy texture, while fresh cilantro and chili powder elevate the flavors. Perfect for a vibrant meal with minimal cleanup!

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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:52:35 GMT
A pan of shrimp and corn sits on a table. Pin it
A pan of shrimp and corn sits on a table. | tastystanza.com

This hearty and vibrant Shrimp and Creamed Corn dish has become my summertime secret weapon, combining sweet corn with succulent shrimp in a creamy, zesty sauce that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients.

I first made this after bringing home an abundance of sweet corn from our local farmers market last July. The combination was such a hit that my family now requests it whenever the first corn of the season appears.

Ingredients

  • Fresh shrimp: Large size for best texture and presentation ensures each bite is substantial and satisfying
  • Chili powder: Adds warmth without overpowering heat; use a fresh spice for best flavor
  • Fresh corn kernels: Preferably cut from the cob; provide superior sweetness and texture compared to frozen
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
  • Block feta cheese: Rather than pre-crumbled; offers creamier texture and better melting properties
  • Half and half: Creates a silky sauce without being too heavy
  • Fresh lime juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the shrimp:
Heat your skillet until properly hot before adding oil. The oil should flow freely but not smoke. Season the shrimp with chili powder and salt then cook just until they turn pink and opaque approximately 3 to 4 minutes total. Resist the temptation to overcook as they will continue cooking slightly when returned to the sauce. Remove from pan and set aside.
Create the flavor base:
Using the same skillet with all those wonderful shrimp flavors add butter and chopped onion. Cook them slowly until they become translucent and soft about 3 minutes. This builds your flavor foundation. Add the garlic and continue cooking gently until fragrant about 2 minutes. Monitor the heat carefully to prevent burning.
Build the creamy corn sauce:
Add corn kernels and smoked paprika stirring to coat everything evenly. Pour in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer. Watch for tiny bubbles around the edges rather than a rapid boil. Add most of the feta cheese reserving some for garnish and stir until melted completely into a smooth sauce.
Finish and garnish:
Squeeze fresh lime juice directly into the sauce then return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Heat everything together gently just until warmed through. Top with reserved corn kernels fresh cilantro and the remaining feta cheese. The contrast between the creamy sauce and fresh toppings creates texture and visual appeal.
A bowl of shrimp and corn. Pin it
A bowl of shrimp and corn. | tastystanza.com

You Must Know

  • The dish comes together in under 30 minutes making it perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Can be made with frozen corn when fresh is unavailable; adjust cooking time slightly
  • The spice level can be easily adjusted to your preference

This dish reminds me of summers spent in coastal towns where seafood and seasonal produce come together effortlessly. The combination of creamy feta with lime and cilantro transforms simple ingredients into something truly special that never fails to transport me back to seaside dining.

Choosing the Best Corn

For this recipe fresh summer corn makes a noticeable difference. Look for ears with bright green husks that feel slightly damp. The silk should be light golden and slightly sticky. Peek inside to check that kernels are plump and tightly packed. When in season grilling the corn first adds another dimension of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Simply grill the whole ears until lightly charred then slice off the kernels.

Make Ahead Options

This dish works beautifully as a make ahead meal. Prepare the creamed corn base a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve simply reheat gently on the stove and cook the shrimp fresh just before serving. The flavors actually develop and meld overnight making the dish even more delicious. Just add a splash of cream or water when reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy shrimp and corn over cooked polenta or grits for a hearty southern inspired meal. For a lighter option spoon it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach where the heat slightly wilts the greens. Crusty bread is essential for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad dressed with just olive oil and lemon complements the richness perfectly without competing with the main dish.

Variations to Try

For a spicier version add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic. The heat infuses throughout the dish beautifully. Consider substituting goat cheese for the feta for a tangier flavor profile. For a more substantial meal fold in blanched asparagus pieces or fresh spinach just before serving for added color and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

→ What other types of cheese can I use?

You can substitute feta with queso fresco, goat cheese, or even Parmesan for a similar creamy texture.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and omit the feta cheese or replace it with a non-dairy alternative.

→ How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can make the creamed corn ahead and reheat it before adding cooked shrimp.

Shrimp with Creamed Corn

Flavor-packed shrimp with creamed corn and feta in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: merry

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, large (about 15-20 count per pound)
02 1 teaspoon chili powder
03 ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
04 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Creamed Corn

05 2 tablespoons salted butter
06 ½ cup chopped onion
07 5 cloves garlic, minced
08 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (from 2 ears of grilled or boiled corn)
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 1 cup half-and-half
11 4 oz feta cheese, divided and crumbled (preferably from a block)
12 2 small limes
13 Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large, high-sided skillet on medium heat until hot. Add olive oil—it should run easily but not sizzle or burn. Add shrimp and sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Avoid overcrowding the skillet (cook in two batches if necessary). Cook the shrimp, flipping once or twice, until pink, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove shrimp from the skillet.

Step 02

Using the same, now empty skillet, add butter and chopped onion. Sprinkle lightly with salt and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes, occasionally stirring, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let the garlic burn; reduce heat if needed. Stir in 1 cup of cooked corn and smoked paprika. Add half-and-half, bring to a simmer, then add 3 oz of crumbled feta cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts.

Step 03

Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and reheat gently. Top with the remaining ½ cup of corn, sliced lime wedges, and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle with additional chili powder or paprika if desired.

Notes

  1. For best results, use a block of feta cheese to crumble yourself as it melts better in the sauce.
  2. Grilling the corn beforehand will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large high-sided skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese and half-and-half).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 345.7
  • Total Fat: 21.2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16.3 g
  • Protein: 25.5 g