Created on November 19th, 2025 at 08:50 am
Southern heat, big flavor
Creamy Cajun Scallops Skillet is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine. This recipe combines plump, tender scallops with a creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The scallops sear to a golden-brown perfection, providing a satisfying contrast to the smooth, rich sauce that envelops them. As the heat of Cajun seasoning mingles with the cream, the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that beckons everyone to the table. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction in each bite.
The combination of tender seafood and a creamy sauce makes this dish feel extra special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. The balance of spice and richness ensures that everyone will be asking for seconds, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or cozy dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines because of the juicy tenderness of the scallops, which absorb the flavors of the warm Cajun spices while remaining perfectly cooked. The creamy sauce acts as a beautiful canvas for the scallops, enriching each bite with notes of garlic, onion, and a hint of spice. As it simmers, the sauce thickens just enough to coat the scallops, creating a luscious texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making it achievable even for novice cooks.
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or creamy polenta to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also a delight the next day when the flavors meld even further, making leftovers a treat to look forward to.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (≈450 g) large sea scallops, thawed and dried
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools
This recipe keeps cooking simple, allowing you to focus on the flavors. You’ll need just a few essential tools to create this delicious dish.
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. The aroma of the onion will start to fill the kitchen. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes. The sauce will turn a rich, creamy color that invites everyone to the table.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Gently fold the seared scallops back into the sauce, allowing them to heat through and soak in some of the delicious flavors for another 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with chopped green onions and, if desired, fresh parsley. The vibrant green will add a lovely pop of color.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your scallops are dry before searing; this helps achieve a better golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the scallops; cook them in batches if necessary.
- Use a good quality heavy cream for a richer sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your taste; feel free to add a touch more for extra kick.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Southern Comfort, Made Simple
Creamy Cajun Scallops Skillet is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a comforting reminder of how simple ingredients can create a sumptuous dish. With its blend of creamy textures and bold flavors, it offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This meal exemplifies the joy of cooking, proving that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Creamy Cajun Scallops Skillet
Ingredients
For the scallops
- 1 lb large sea scallops, thawed and dried About 450 g
- 2 Tbsp olive oil For cooking
- Salt & pepper To taste
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
For the sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth Can substitute with seafood broth
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
For garnish
- 2 green onions chopped For garnish
- Chopped parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Cooking
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Gently fold the seared scallops back into the sauce for another 2 minutes.
Serving
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with chopped green onions and, if desired, fresh parsley.
Notes
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