Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe

Picture this: the warm aroma of sizzling shrimp mingling with sweet, smoky creamed corn fills your kitchen. The vibrant colors of tender pink shrimp nestled in a golden, velvety sauce flecked with bright green cilantro and crumbled feta create an irresistible invitation. This Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe is the perfect harmony of fresh, bold flavors and creamy comfort. Whether you’re craving something quick yet impressive, or a cozy, delicious meal to brighten your day, this skillet dish delivers on every front with just one pan and 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it fits seamlessly into busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common staples like shrimp, corn, garlic, and feta—nothing complicated or hard to find.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Minimal cleanup with one skillet and guaranteed crowd-pleaser tastes every time.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful contrast of shrimp, creamy corn, tangy feta, and zesty lime brightens your plate and your mood.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs or spices to match your personal taste.

Why This Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe Works

This recipe strikes gold by combining perfectly cooked shrimp with that luscious, smoky creamed corn base. The chili powder and smoked paprika add a subtle heat and depth that awakens your palate, while cooking shrimp in batches ensures they stay tender and juicy. Using half-and-half rather than heavy cream keeps the sauce silky without overwhelming richness, perfectly complemented by the crumbly, salty feta which melts into creamy pockets of flavor. The fresh lime juice and cilantro tossed in at the end add brightness that cuts through the creaminess, balancing every bite beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic in your skillet.

• Raw shrimp (1.5 lb): Peeled and deveined, large size ensures juicy bites that cook quickly.
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the shrimp.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors naturally.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking shrimp to perfection without stickiness.
• Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates richness and depth in the creamed corn.
• Chopped onion (½ cup): Adds a sweet base that softens into every spoonful.
• Minced garlic (5 cloves): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
• Cooked corn kernels (1.5 cups): Sweet and fresh, either grilled or boiled for peak flavor.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky kick that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Half-and-half (1 cup): Keeps the sauce luxuriously creamy yet light.
• Feta cheese (4 oz): Crumbled for tangy, salty pockets of decadence.
• Small limes (2): Provide fresh acidity and brightness at the end.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that lifts the whole dish.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Shrimp: You can substitute with scallops for a different seafood twist or use pre-cooked shrimp if short on time; just add it last to warm through.
• Half-and-half: For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or almond milk for a subtle nutty sweetness.
• Feta cheese: Use a crumbly goat cheese or ricotta salata if you prefer a milder or less salty flavor.
• Fresh corn kernels: Frozen sweet corn works well in a pinch—just thaw and drain excess water before adding.

How to Make Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly without burning. Spread the shrimp in a single layer, sprinkling chili powder and salt over them. Be careful not to crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Let the shrimp sear for 1-2 minutes, then flip once or twice until they turn a beautiful opaque pink, about 3-4 minutes total. Remove shrimp and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Shrimp cook quickly, so stay close to the pan to prevent overcooking and drying out.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamed Corn Base

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion, sprinkle lightly with salt, and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently for another 2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn.

💡 Pro Tip: Lower the heat if garlic starts to brown to keep flavors sweet and mellow.

Step 3: Add Corn and Seasonings

Stir in 1 cup of the cooked corn kernels and the smoked paprika. This smoky, sweet combo forms the heart of your creamed corn. Let everything mingle together for a minute, stirring frequently.

💡 Pro Tip: Use fresh grilled corn for extra depth or sweet boiled corn for a gentle touch.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously as you add 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt into pockets of tangy creaminess that beautifully enrich the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid curdling the half-and-half or cheese.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Shrimp

Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the sauce, stirring to brighten that rich creaminess. Add back the cooked shrimp, nestling them gently into the creamed corn. Warm everything through for a minute or two—don’t let the shrimp overcook again!

💡 Pro Tip: Taste as you go and adjust lime juice or seasoning to your liking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your skillet beautifully with the remaining ½ cup of corn kernels for texture, a few lime slices for visual flair and extra tang, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. Dust with additional chili powder or smoked paprika if you want a pop of color and subtle heat.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve right from the pan to keep that irresistible warmth and rustic charm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overcrowding the Pan: Crowded shrimp steam instead of sear, losing their delightful texture.
• Burning Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so cook low and slow once added.
• Skipping the Lime: Lime juice is essential to cut through richness and brighten flavors—you don’t want a flat sauce.
• Using Pre-Crumbled Feta: Freshly crumbled block feta melts better and has superior flavor.
• Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp become rubbery if overcooked; remove them as soon as they pink up.
• Not Stirring Half-and-Half Gently: Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle; keep it simmering just gently.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe, consider these swaps and add-ins for delicious twists:

Spicy Chipotle Kick

Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or minced chipotle peppers in adobo to the creamed corn for a smokier, spicier edge without overpowering.

Herbed Garden Fresh

Mix in fresh chopped basil and parsley along with cilantro to add an herbaceous note that brightens the dish in summer months.

Coconut Lime Twist

Swap half-and-half for full-fat coconut milk and increase lime juice for a tropical, creamy version that pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Cheesy Jalapeño

Add finely diced jalapeños while cooking onions and garlic for moderate heat, and substitute half the feta with shredded mild cheddar for a melty finish.

Vegetable Boost

Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini for added crunch and nutritional punch without changing cooking times significantly.

How to Serve Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, extra crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder add freshness, zing, and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this skillet with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, warm crusty bread to mop up the creamed corn, or a crisp green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly in the skillet for rustic charm, or portion into shallow bowls topped with chopped cilantro and lime. For a party, offer with miniature tortillas for a taco-style twist everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully but shrimp texture may soften.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to shrimp’s delicate texture and the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sauce separation. Add a splash of milk or half-and-half if it looks dry. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly as thawed shrimp cook faster.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

Whole milk with a little butter works in a pinch, or use cream diluted with milk for similar richness.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild warmth from chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can adjust spice levels to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as is.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque with curled tails. Avoid overcooking, or they become rubbery.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead?

Yes! You can chop onions, mince garlic, and crumble feta a day ahead for faster assembly.

What kind of feta should I use?

Block feta crumbled fresh provides the best texture and flavor; avoid overly dry or pre-crumbled packaged feta.

Can I use canned corn?

Fresh or frozen corn is best, but you can use canned—just drain well and reduce added salt accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe is a beautiful marriage of quick preparation and rich, layered flavors that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious yet effortless to make, with minimal fuss and maximum wow factor. The way the shrimp soak up the creamy, tangy sauce, accented by the brightness of lime and the rustic charm of smoky spices, makes every bite a celebration.

Have you tried this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet with Feta and Lime Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍤🌽

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