These Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce are an indulgent take on a classic Tex-Mex favorite. Tender, juicy shrimp are cooked in aromatic spices and folded into soft flour tortillas before being smothered with a homemade creamy white sauce. The dish is then topped with a generous helping of cheese and baked to golden perfection.
Perfect for family dinners or festive occasions, these enchiladas strike a delicious balance between richness and spice. With layers of textures and bold flavors in every bite, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve them alongside Mexican rice, a fresh green salad, or even guacamole for the ultimate mealtime experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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8 flour tortillas
Cream Sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons flour
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, shrimp, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp is pink and cooked through, 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
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Spoon shrimp mixture into tortillas, sprinkle with cheese and cilantro, roll up, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
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Pour the cream sauce over the enchiladas, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce is the kind of dish that brings a little fiesta to your dinner table. It’s a flavorful and comforting recipe that blends the rich and zesty elements of Tex-Mex cuisine with the luxurious texture of a homemade cream sauce. Unlike traditional red-sauce enchiladas, this dish stands out with its velvety white sauce, plump shrimp, and cheesy goodness wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s a beloved weeknight staple that feels indulgent yet remains simple enough to prepare without stress. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests, these creamy shrimp enchiladas are sure to impress.
Why Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce Stands Out
This recipe elevates the classic enchilada by replacing typical fillings like ground beef or shredded chicken with tender, juicy shrimp. The subtle sweetness and natural flavor of shrimp pair beautifully with the mildly spiced seasoning blend and rich dairy-based sauce. The cream sauce adds a luxurious mouthfeel, coating the enchiladas in a way that makes every bite irresistibly savory. Combined with a sprinkle of melted cheese on top and a touch of fresh herbs, the dish becomes a celebration of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect example of how seafood and dairy can work harmoniously in Mexican-inspired dishes.
The Origins and Cultural Influence
Though enchiladas date back to the Aztec era, where corn tortillas were used to wrap various foods, the shrimp and cream sauce adaptation is a more modern Tex-Mex interpretation. Tex-Mex cuisine, rooted in the blending of Mexican culinary traditions with American ingredients and preferences, often features cheese-heavy and cream-based dishes. Shrimp enchiladas with white sauce fit this bill perfectly. This version leans into the richness of butter, cream, and cheese while still honoring the vibrant spices and heartiness of traditional Mexican food.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish
Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for any occasion where you want to serve something warm, comforting, and flavorful. It’s a top choice for:
- Family weeknight dinners
- Casual get-togethers or potlucks
- Date nights at home
- Special occasions like birthdays or holidays
- Meal prep (it reheats very well!)
Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it satisfying even on its own, but it can easily be paired with a few side dishes for a more elaborate spread.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor profile of these shrimp enchiladas is a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy. The shrimp are seasoned with warm spices like cumin and chili powder, giving them depth and character. The cream sauce is silky, rich, and infused with garlic and onion powders, often enhanced with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The cheese blend typically Monterey Jack and cheddar melts beautifully over the enchiladas, adding sharpness and creaminess.
Texturally, the dish is a dream: the soft tortilla wraps cradle tender shrimp; the creamy sauce provides a velvety coating; the bubbling cheese on top adds a gooey and golden finish.
What Makes the Cream Sauce Special
The sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. It’s typically a simple roux made with butter and flour, combined with milk, sour cream, and spices. The end result is a velvety sauce that coats each enchilada like a blanket. It’s neither too heavy nor too runny just the right consistency to enrich the dish without overwhelming it. The sour cream adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness, and a dash of red pepper flakes or chili gives it a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly.
Tips for Making it Perfect
To ensure that your shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce come out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye while cooking them.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. This keeps them from tearing and allows for even baking.
- Preheat the tortillas. Warm them slightly so they’re more pliable and easier to roll.
- Balance the seasoning. Taste your filling and sauce before assembling to make sure the salt and spice levels are right.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.
What to Serve With Shrimp Enchiladas
Although these enchiladas are delicious on their own, adding a few simple sides can take your meal to the next level. Some great pairings include:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Refried Beans or Black Beans
- Fresh Pico de Gallo or Salsa Verde
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
- Simple Green Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
These accompaniments add freshness and brightness that balance the richness of the cream sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture is best preserved with oven reheating.
For freezing, it’s best to freeze the enchiladas without the sauce and add it fresh when reheating. This helps maintain the right consistency of the sauce and prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Health Considerations
This dish is indulgent but can be adjusted to fit specific dietary needs:
- Lighter Version: Use light sour cream, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas.
- Low Carb Option: Swap flour tortillas for low-carb or cauliflower wraps.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free tortillas and cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something universally comforting about cheesy, saucy, oven-baked dishes. These shrimp enchiladas have all the satisfying qualities of a hearty meal protein-rich shrimp, creamy textures, melty cheese, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. They’re a great way to enjoy seafood in a different form, especially if you’re used to grilled or sautéed shrimp. Plus, the recipe is easy enough for a beginner but impressive enough for a seasoned cook to serve at a dinner party.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you love Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:
- Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Sauce
- Creamy Seafood Lasagna
- Lobster Tacos with Lime Crema
- White Chicken Chili
- Fish Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
- Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Bake
- Spicy Crab-Stuffed Shells
- Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
- Enchiladas Suizas
- Shrimp and Spinach Quesadillas
Conclusion: A Recipe That’s Worth Repeating
Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce is more than just a meal it’s an experience. From the first bite, you’ll taste the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy elements that define Tex-Mex comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers both ease and elegance. With customizable ingredients and endless side pairing possibilities, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.