Shrimp Con Queso Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Con Queso is a flavorful twist on the classic queso dip, packed with sautéed shrimp and colorful vegetables. This creamy, cheesy dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying snack or a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups bell pepper (mixed colors), chopped
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound thawed shrimp, deveined and shelled
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for thinning if needed
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup white American cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Step 2: Add the bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp and taco seasoning, tossing to coat everything evenly. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low and add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is smooth with minimal clumps.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the shredded cheeses in small increments (about 1/2 cup at a time), stirring constantly until all cheese is melted and combined. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more heavy cream or milk to your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked shrimp and vegetables to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything evenly in the queso sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the queso sauce.
• Swap shrimp for cooked chicken or chorizo for a different protein option.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar if pepper jack is not available.
• Add fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth texture. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What can I serve with Shrimp Con Queso?

This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or even over rice for a hearty meal.

Shrimp Con Queso Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

Shrimp Con Queso is a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring sautéed shrimp and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with pepper jack, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, this skillet recipe blends tender shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with a spicy, rich queso sauce for a comforting and savory meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 1/2 cup bell pepper (mixed colors), chopped
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Seafood

• 1 pound thawed shrimp, deveined and shelled

Cheese and Dairy

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup white American cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Additional heavy cream or milk (optional for thinning)

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to warm it up evenly.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers, sliced red onion, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook and stir occasionally for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook the shrimp: Toss the thawed, deveined shrimp with 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning to coat evenly. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and sear for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
4. Create the queso sauce base: Lower the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and forms a smooth base with minimal lumps.
5. Add shredded cheeses: Gradually add the shredded pepper jack and white American cheese in small portions (about 1/2 cup at a time), stirring constantly to melt and incorporate each addition into the sauce. Optionally, add more heavy cream or milk to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
6. Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything thoroughly with the creamy queso sauce. Heat through briefly, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a spicier queso, increase the taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add more heavy cream or milk until desired consistency is reached.
• Serve with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or over rice to turn this into a full meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese sauce.
• Make sure shrimp is fully thawed before cooking for even cooking time.

Keywords: Shrimp Con Queso, creamy shrimp recipe, Tex-Mex shrimp, cheesy shrimp skillet, shrimp appetizer, queso shrimp