Shrimp Enchiladas With Cream Sauce The Best Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying? These shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce check all the boxes. Packed with juicy shrimp, sautéed vegetables, warm tortillas, and topped with a rich, velvety sour cream sauce, this dish is the perfect fusion of comfort food and fresh coastal flavor.

Seafood enchiladas are often overshadowed by their beef or chicken counterparts, but when made correctly, shrimp enchiladas offer a light-yet-decadent alternative that delivers big on taste. The cream sauce, similar to a basic white sauce but enhanced with green chiles and Monterey Jack cheese, coats each enchilada in rich, melty goodness. If you’re new to enchiladas, learning about their origin and variations can inspire even more kitchen creativity.

This article will show you exactly how to prepare the best creamy shrimp enchiladas, what ingredients make them unforgettable, and how to personalize the dish with different toppings and variations. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or prepping for a special occasion, this recipe will become a go-to. You’ll also discover essential cooking tips, from properly cooking shrimp to thickening your cream-based sauces—something well explained in sauce preparation techniques.

What Makes These Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas the Best?

What sets these creamy shrimp enchiladas apart from others is the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and ease. The shrimp are sautéed until just pink—ensuring they stay tender—not rubbery. Combined with softened onions, garlic, and bell pepper, each bite offers a savory, slightly sweet contrast enhanced by a lightly spiced seasoning mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Another standout element is the homemade cream sauce. Unlike many recipes that rely on canned sauces, this version uses a simple roux of butter and flour, blended with chicken broth and sour cream to create a silky, mild base. The addition of Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, giving it a luxurious finish that ties the dish together.

The flexibility of the recipe also adds to its appeal. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (just be sure to thaw and pat dry), and the enchiladas can be made ahead of time and baked later. Additionally, for those who love Mexican flavors, this dish is a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, infused with a creamy twist that leans more toward Tex-Mex.

If you’re browsing for more dinner ideas with a seafood flair, check out this visual shrimp enchiladas dinner idea that pairs beautifully with rice and beans. For more creamy inspiration, there are also curated creamy enchiladas recipes on Pinterest you can explore.

To make the best creamy shrimp enchiladas, you’ll need a combination of simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating a dish that’s rich, balanced, and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

  • You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry. For health benefits and protein content, learn more about shrimp nutrition facts.

• 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Used for sautéing and enhancing flavor.

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • Adds texture and sweetness.

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp paprika

  • These spices offer depth and a mild heat.

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Creamy and mild, it melts smoothly and pairs well with shrimp. For more, read about the origin of Monterey Jack.

• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)

  • Soft, pliable, and perfect for rolling. Check out this helpful tortilla wrapping tutorial for a clean presentation.

For the Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

  • Forms the base of the roux.

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • Used to thicken the sauce without lumps.

• 2 cups chicken broth

  • Choose low-sodium for better control over seasoning.

• 1 cup sour cream

  • Creates the creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

  • Adds mild heat and a classic enchilada flavor.

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • Blends into the sauce for added richness.

Optional Toppings and Add-ons

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced jalapeños

• Diced avocado or tomatoes

• Fresh lime wedges

These toppings can brighten and balance the richness of the dish. For visual inspiration, browse easy weeknight seafood meals or explore new flavor combinations in classic Mexican cuisine.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Options

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Low-carb: Swap flour tortillas with low-carb or cauliflower tortillas.

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free flour and tortillas.

• Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, squash, or beans for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.

With these ingredients and flexible options, you’re ready to move on to the preparation phase and start building your creamy shrimp enchiladas from scratch.

How to Prepare Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas – Part 1

Making creamy shrimp enchiladas is easier than you might think. This step-by-step guide will walk you through preparing the shrimp filling, assembling the enchiladas, and creating the rich, creamy sauce that sets this dish apart.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Oven Dish

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Set aside while you prepare the filling and sauce.

2. Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables

• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp of olive oil.

• Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper.

• Sauté for about 3–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

This base adds sweetness and aroma to the enchiladas. As these veggies cook down, they form the flavorful foundation for your shrimp mixture—key to building that satisfying filling.

3. Add and Cook the Shrimp

• Add the chopped shrimp directly into the skillet.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

• Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.

Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly turn rubbery. For a more in-depth explanation of this, you might want to review shrimp preparation techniques within seafood cooking basics.

4. Add Cheese and Mix the Filling

• Once the shrimp are cooked and the pan is off the heat, stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

• Mix until evenly combined—this will help the filling hold together when rolled.

If you’re new to wrapping enchiladas, check out this Pinterest tortilla wrapping tutorial to learn how to properly roll and seal each tortilla for a tight, uniform fit in the baking dish.

5. Fill and Roll the Tortillas

• Lay out 8 flour tortillas on a clean surface.

• Spoon about ⅓ cup of the shrimp mixture into the center of each tortilla.

• Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Arrange the enchiladas snugly next to each other so they stay intact during baking and absorb the sauce evenly. This step brings all your prep together before layering on the creamy sauce.

The next part of this section will guide you through making the sauce and baking the enchiladas.

How to Prepare Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas – Part 2

With your enchiladas filled and neatly arranged in the baking dish, it’s time to make the creamy white sauce that transforms this meal from simple to spectacular. This step involves creating a roux-based sauce, blending in flavorful ingredients, and baking everything to melty perfection.

6. Make the Cream Sauce

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

• Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute.

  • This forms a roux, which thickens the sauce and prevents it from separating.

• Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking to eliminate lumps.

• Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.

Creating a good sauce is all about texture and patience. For those curious about different methods of sauce-making, this overview of cream-based sauces provides helpful context.

7. Add Creamy Elements and Flavor

• Once thickened, remove the pan from heat.

• Stir in 1 cup of sour cream until smooth.

• Mix in 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chiles.

• Add 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until fully melted.

The resulting sauce is creamy, cheesy, and just mildly spicy—perfectly complementing the shrimp filling without overpowering it. For more inspiration, look through other creamy enchiladas recipes to see different ways home cooks customize their sauces.

8. Pour the Sauce Over the Enchiladas

• Evenly pour the hot cream sauce over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish.

• Use a spatula to spread the sauce, ensuring each tortilla is well coated.

• Optional: Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top if you like extra melted topping.

A properly covered enchilada bakes more evenly and absorbs maximum flavor. This step also keeps tortillas from drying out in the oven.

9. Bake and Garnish

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

• Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or fresh avocado for added color and texture.

To elevate presentation, serve these enchiladas with sides like rice or a fresh lime-dressed salad—ideas often featured in easy weeknight seafood meals.

Whether you’re cooking for two or a family dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and ease. Now that your shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce are ready, you can experiment with variations, toppings, and sides to make it your own.