Shrimp Con Queso

The Shrimp Con Queso is a flavor-packed Tex-Mex dish featuring juicy sautéed shrimp smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right kick of heat from green chilies and spices. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast. This dish works equally well as a hearty dip served with tortilla chips or as a luxurious sauce poured over rice, pasta, or vegetables. The pepper jack and cheddar melt into a silky, spicy sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. It’s a winning recipe for family dinners, casual parties, or game-day spreads.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

2. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

5. Stir in the drained tomatoes with green chilies, onion powder, and both cheeses. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.

6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the queso sauce.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, rice, or over pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Irresistible Appeal of Shrimp Con Queso

Shrimp Con Queso is a dish that beautifully merges the bold, spicy flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the delicate sweetness of fresh shrimp. This creamy, cheese-loaded skillet meal isn’t just comforting—it’s designed to impress. Whether served as a dip with tortilla chips, a main course over rice or pasta, or a party appetizer, this dish is an all-in-one crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a weekend gathering.

At its core, this recipe brings together the best elements of southern comfort food and coastal seafood fare. The luscious queso sauce—a rich blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheese—embraces plump shrimp and just the right kick of green chilies. The result is a flavor-forward, velvety dish that balances spice, creaminess, and savory seafood goodness.

A Tex-Mex Classic With a Coastal Twist

Tex-Mex cuisine is known for its ability to take simple ingredients and turn them into explosive, satisfying meals. Traditionally, queso is a cheese-based dip made with green chilies, cream, and melting cheese. It’s a staple at most Tex-Mex restaurants, often served bubbling hot with chips on the side.

Shrimp Con Queso builds on this beloved classic by adding juicy, pan-seared shrimp. The addition of seafood elevates the dish from a side snack or appetizer to a protein-rich main course. The shrimp not only add a luxurious texture but also bring a sweet, briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

This fusion of ocean and border flavors reflects the adaptability of Tex-Mex cooking—it’s bold, warm, and endlessly customizable. Shrimp Con Queso is an example of how regional American flavors continue to evolve by incorporating ingredients from diverse culinary traditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Although it’s undeniably indulgent, this recipe also offers some surprising nutritional perks. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option that is rich in selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart and brain health.

Cheese provides a strong dose of calcium and protein, while milk and cream contribute to the creamy texture without requiring any artificial thickeners. Even the green chilies and diced tomatoes bring antioxidant benefits and essential vitamins like vitamin C and potassium.

Of course, moderation is key when it comes to a creamy dish like this. But knowing that it includes whole, protein-rich ingredients makes it an ideal treat that satisfies both your cravings and nutritional needs.

Why Shrimp Con Queso Is the Best for Entertaining

Shrimp Con Queso is a show-stopping dish perfect for entertaining. Its bold flavors and creamy consistency make it the ideal dip to bring out at game nights, birthday parties, or potluck dinners. It can also double as a main course when served over rice, pasta, or even inside tortillas as tacos or enchiladas.

Unlike many complicated party dishes, Shrimp Con Queso comes together in under 30 minutes. This means you can whip it up quickly, even if you’re short on prep time. It’s made in one skillet, which also means minimal cleanup—something every host will appreciate.

Because it’s so versatile, it works beautifully in different forms: baked over nachos, spooned into a bread bowl, or served with freshly baked garlic bread for dipping. You can scale the recipe up or down depending on the size of your gathering without affecting its flavor or texture.

A Quick Weeknight Dinner That Feels Fancy

One of the most attractive features of this dish is how easily it fits into a busy weekday schedule. With just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you can make a gourmet-style dinner in no time. The creamy sauce tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, thanks to the richness of butter, milk, and melty cheese, but it’s ready in just minutes.

You don’t need to be a chef to master this recipe. The steps are straightforward—season and cook the shrimp, make a quick roux, whisk in the milk and cream, and melt in the cheeses. Once the shrimp are added back in, the dish is ready to be served. It’s foolproof, and that makes it ideal for cooks of all levels.

Customizable to Suit Your Taste

Shrimp Con Queso is a blank canvas for customization. You can adjust the heat level by adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder. If you want to mellow it out, add more cream or substitute part of the pepper jack with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Want to include more vegetables? Stir in corn, spinach, or sautéed bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. Prefer a smokier taste? A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can take the flavor to the next level.

For those avoiding gluten, simply use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the roux. You can even switch up the protein—cooked chicken, chorizo, or tofu work wonderfully as substitutes or additions.

Perfect Pairings to Make It a Meal

To complete your meal, consider serving Shrimp Con Queso with:

• Cilantro-lime rice for a fresh contrast

• Grilled vegetables to lighten the richness

• Warm flour or corn tortillas for scooping

• Black beans or refried beans as hearty sides

• Fresh tomato and avocado salsa for balance and brightness

You can also drizzle it over crispy tostadas or use it as a filling for quesadillas. With so many pairing options, it becomes an exciting central dish to build an entire meal around.

Shrimp Con Queso for Every Season

Whether it’s summer cookouts, holiday parties, or cozy winter nights, Shrimp Con Queso is always in season. In warmer months, it pairs beautifully with grilled corn and margaritas. During colder months, it becomes the ultimate comfort food alongside crusty bread or roasted potatoes.

Its flexibility makes it an all-year-round staple. You can serve it bubbling in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation, or spoon it into ramekins for individual portions at more formal dinners. Add seasonal garnishes like chopped green onions in spring or fresh tomatoes in late summer to keep it feeling fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Shrimp Con Queso turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. Cook just until pink and opaque.

• Drain the tomatoes well. Extra liquid from canned tomatoes can make your queso watery.

• Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.

• Keep the heat low when melting cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to break or turn gritty.

Following these simple tips helps you avoid the most common texture and flavor pitfalls with queso-based dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Again and Again

The beauty of Shrimp Con Queso lies in its balance: creamy yet spicy, indulgent yet fresh, simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or treating yourself to something special, this dish is one you’ll return to over and over again.

Its rich, melty cheese sauce, juicy shrimp, and Tex-Mex spices feel indulgent while still being rooted in wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s adaptable to many dietary needs and meal formats. That flexibility, combined with bold flavor and easy prep, makes it a go-to recipe that won’t let you down.

Conclusion

Shrimp Con Queso stands as a testament to how a few humble ingredients—shrimp, cheese, cream, and spices—can transform into something extraordinary. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight and indulgent enough for entertaining, all while offering a warm, bold, and comforting flavor experience. Whether you’re serving it as a dip, a main dish, or something in between, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent place in your kitchen rotation.