Name: Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486871H55M8S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12-14 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin; 2 large jalapeños, seeded or not (depending on your heat preference); 2 medium tomatoes on the vine, diced; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt, to taste; 4 soft taco flour tortillas; 8 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce offer a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas. Filled with tender shrimp, savory vegetables, and a creamy, spiced sauce, they’re baked to perfection and topped with melty cheese. This dish is a great choice for a delicious weeknight meal or a special dinner that will impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of succulent shrimp, zesty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. The chipotle chili powder and cumin add warmth and depth, while the sour cream and heavy cream create a rich and velvety texture. With the shrimp cooked to perfection and the cheese bubbling on top, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a comforting Mexican-inspired meal or something a bit different from the usual, these shrimp enchiladas are sure to satisfy! Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce

Ingredients

12-14 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, sliced thin
2 large jalapeños, seeded or not (depending on your spice preference)
2 medium tomatoes on the vine, diced
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup sour cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt, to taste
4 soft taco flour tortillas
8 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese, grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and jalapeños and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, sour cream, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt. Add this mixture to the cooked vegetables in the skillet and bring to a slow simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce. Cook the shrimp until just opaque on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Place half of the grated Monterrey Jack cheese evenly on each tortilla. Spoon the shrimp mixture onto the tortillas, roll them tightly, and place them seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
Add the Sauce and Cheese: Pour the cream sauce over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These enchiladas are perfect on their own or served with a side of rice or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (4 enchiladas)

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of seafood?

Yes, you can use other types of seafood, such as scallops or white fish, instead of shrimp. Just ensure the seafood is cooked through before assembling the enchiladas.

Can I make these enchiladas spicier?

Absolutely! You can leave the jalapeños seeds in for extra heat, or add some diced green chilies or hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicier kick.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to warm them slightly in a dry pan to prevent them from cracking when rolled.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free yogurt, respectively. Also, use a dairy-free cheese for topping the enchiladas.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly?

The shrimp should be opaque and pink on both sides. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.

Can I add vegetables to the shrimp mixture?

Yes, you can add more vegetables to the filling if you like. Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the shrimp mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Monterrey Jack is great for its meltability, but you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer.

How can I make this dish spicier without changing the sauce?

You can add a bit of chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce on top after baking for an extra punch of heat without altering the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

These Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce are the perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting textures. The shrimp is succulent, the sauce is rich and creamy, and the cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy them with your favorite sides, and you’re in for a delicious and satisfying meal!