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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Sauce over Mashed Potatoes
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for this recipe. They soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Butter: A must for that rich, savory taste. We’ll use it for both the shrimp and the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant kick that elevates the dish.
- Cajun seasoning: This spice blend brings the heat and depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust it to your taste!
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Flour: Used to create a roux for the creamy sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
- Chicken broth: This adds a savory base to the sauce. You can use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Heavy cream: For that creamy richness in the sauce. You can substitute with milk for a lighter version.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that complements the Cajun flavors.
- Chili flakes: Optional, but they bring an extra kick if you like your dish spicy!
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes for the fluffiest mashed potatoes. They’re the perfect canvas for the sauce.
- Warm milk: This helps achieve a creamy consistency in the mashed potatoes. Heavy cream can be used for a richer texture.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Sauce over Mashed Potatoes
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Cajun Sauce over Mashed Potatoes is a delightful dish that comes together in just a few steps. Follow along, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook them until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add in butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth. The key is to make them fluffy, so don’t rush this step! Set your mashed potatoes aside while you work on the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to cook the shrimp! Season them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then, toss in the shrimp, cooking them for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You want them pink and opaque, so be careful not to overcook! Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Then, stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if you like it spicy! Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Now comes the fun part—plating! Start by spooning a generous amount of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Next, drizzle the rich Cajun sauce over the potatoes, creating a beautiful base. Finally, arrange the succulent shrimp on top, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color. Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in with delight!
Ingredients:
1 lb Mexican chorizo sausage or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean sausage)
1 small red onion, diced
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12 oz.) package fire-roasted frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
1 tbsp Tajín seasoning
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt (adjust depending on sausage)
¼ tsp black pepper
4 cups (32 oz.) chicken stock or low-sodium broth
2 cups sour cream (full-fat) or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Juice of one lime
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ cup crumbled queso fresco
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (if using lean sausage) and sauté the diced red onion and jalapeño until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed mixture to the crockpot. Add the sliced sausage, fire-roasted corn, diced green chiles, Tajín seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sausage is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Finish the Soup: Once cooked, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled queso fresco. Enjoy this comforting and zesty soup with tortilla chips or warm tortillas!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs (680g) beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup oyster sauce
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp minced garlic
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup sliced carrots
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 3 packs (3 oz each) instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
– Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
Add sliced beef, beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, add broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir to mix and let the vegetables cook until tender.
Break the ramen noodles into smaller pieces and submerge them into the slow cooker liquid. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the noodles are softened and have absorbed some of the broth.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles for a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty texture of this Asian-inspired classic!
Ingredients
→ Main Ingredients
1 cup shredded cheddar
Steps
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add refried beans, taco seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
Heat flour tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Spread equal portions of meat and bean mixture on each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then roll each tortilla tightly.
Arrange filled tortillas seam side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve hot, topped with a spoonful of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
Ingredients
→ Crust
→ Filling
Steps
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking up the meat until no pink remains, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 425°F and allow it to heat completely while assembling the pie.
Unroll one pie crust and fit it into a deep-dish pie pan, ensuring the dough covers the sides and has excess hanging over the edge.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom crust.
Spread the cooled meat mixture over the cheese. Arrange approximately 3/4 cup of the pepperoni slices evenly over the meat layer.
Pour pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly across the filling. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Distribute the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and all of the cheddar or provolone cheese evenly. Place remaining pepperoni slices on top.
Unroll the second pie crust and place over the filling. Trim the excess, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang, and fold under the bottom crust edge to seal. Crimp or flute decoratively and cut several small slits for steam release.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top crust and edges.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Shield edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving hot.
Notes
- Letting the pie rest before slicing allows the filling to set for clean portions.
Ingredients
→ Quesadilla Base
→ Filling
→ Cooking
Steps
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with honey or maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon if desired, mixing until smooth. Alternatively, sprinkle cinnamon directly on the tortilla for efficiency
Lay the tortilla flat and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one half, leaving a margin near the edge. Distribute the blueberries over the cream cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently to seal.
Heat a skillet over medium-low and lightly coat with cooking spray or butter. Place the filled tortilla in the pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, pressing gently with a spatula.
Remove from skillet and let cool briefly. Slice into wedges and, if desired, drizzle with additional honey or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Softened cream cheese spreads more evenly; allow time for cooling as the filling becomes very hot.
Required Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
Allergen Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
This data is provided as a guide and doesn’t replace medical advice.
Ingredients 
-
1 Tbsp olive oil
-
½ lb ground beef or Italian sausage
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp Italian seasoning
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
½ cup sugar‑free marinara sauce
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
¼ cup sliced mushrooms
-
¼ cup sliced black olives
-
¼ cup diced bell peppers
-
¼ cup pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni)
-
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
-
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions 

-
Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
-
Season the Meat: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute.
-
Assemble the Pizza Bowls: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). In oven‑safe bowls or ramekins, layer cooked meat at the bottom. Pour marinara sauce evenly over meat.
-
Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and pepperoni. Top with Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake: Place bowls in oven and bake 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your low‑carb pizza bowl!
Nutritional Information 
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 10 minutes
-
Total Time: 20 minutes
-
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (without protein add‑ins)
-
Servings: 2 servings
Enjoy all the pizza flavors you love—crust free!
47 bikers showed up to walk my 5 year old son into kindergarten because his father was killed riding his motorcycle to work.47 bikers showed up to walk my 5 year old son into kindergarten because his father was killed riding his motorcycle to work.
They came at 7 AM sharp, leather vests gleaming in the morning sun, surrounding our small house like guardian angels with tattoos and gray beards.
My son Tommy had been refusing to go to school for three weeks, terrified that if he left the house, I might disappear too like Daddy did. Every morning ended in tears and begging, his small hands clutching my legs, promising to be good if I just let him stay home forever.
But this morning was different. The rumble of motorcycles made him run to the window, his eyes wide as bike after bike pulled into our street.
These weren’t strangers – they were Jim’s brothers, men who’d been suspiciously absent since the funeral three months ago.
“Mommy, why are Daddy’s friends here?” Tommy whispered, pressing his nose against the glass.
The lead biker, a massive man called Bear who’d been Jim’s best friend since their Army days, walked up our driveway carrying something that made my heart stop.
It was Jim’s helmet – the one he’d been wearing when the drunk driver hit him, the one the police had returned in a plastic bag, the one I’d hidden in the attic because I couldn’t bear to throw it away.
But it looked different now. Restored. Perfect. Like the accident had never happened.
Bear knocked on our door, and when I opened it, his eyes were red-rimmed behind his sunglasses. “Ma’am, we heard Tommy was having trouble getting to school. Jim would’ve wanted us to help.”
“I don’t understand,” I said, staring at the helmet in his hands. “How did you—”
“There’s something you need to see,” Bear interrupted gently. “Something we found when we were fixing it. Jim left something inside for the boy. But Tommy needs to wear it to school to get it.”
I stood frozen in my doorway. Jim never let anyone touch his helmet. It was his grandfather’s from World War II, modified and passed down through generations. The fact that these men had somehow gotten it and restored it without my knowledge should have made me angry. Instead, I felt something crack inside my chest.
“You fixed it?” I whispered, reaching out to touch the pristine black surface where I knew there had been scratches, dents, worse.
“Took us three months,” Bear said. “Had to call in favors from brothers all over the country. Custom paint guy from Sturgis. Leather worker from Austin for the interior. Chrome specialist from…” He stopped, swallowing hard. “Jim was our brother. This is the least we could do.”
Tommy had crept up behind me, peeking around my leg at the men filling our yard. Some I recognized from happier times – weekend barbecues, charity rides, Jim’s birthday parties. Others were strangers, but they all wore the same expression of determined purpose.
“Is that Daddy’s helmet?” Tommy asked in a tiny voice.
Bear knelt down, his massive frame folding until he was eye level with my son. “Sure is, little man. And he left you something special inside it. But here’s the thing – it only works if you’re brave enough to wear it to school. Think you can do that?”
Tommy bit his lip, a habit he’d picked up since Jim died. “Daddy said I wasn’t big enough for his helmet.”
“That was before,” Bear said softly. “Before you became the man of the house. Before you had to be brave for your mom. Your dad knew this day would come, and he made sure we’d be here for it.”
I watched in amazement as Bear carefully placed the helmet on Tommy’s small head. It should have been comically large, should have swallowed him whole. But somehow – maybe they’d added padding, maybe it was just the morning light – it looked almost right.
“I can’t see!” Tommy giggled, the first real laugh I’d heard from him in months.
Bear adjusted something inside, and suddenly Tommy gasped. “Mommy! Mommy, there’s pictures in here! Pictures of Daddy and me!”
My knees nearly buckled. Bear steadied me with one hand while explaining, “Jim had us install a small display in the visor. Solar-powered, triggered by movement. He’d been planning it as a surprise for Tommy’s 18th birthday, for when he’d be old enough to ride. But when the accident happened…” He cleared his throat. “We figured Tommy needed it now.”
“There’s words too!” Tommy shouted, his voice muffled by the helmet. “It says… it says…” His voice cracked. “It says ‘Be brave, little warrior. Daddy’s watching.’”
The other bikers had formed a path from our door to the street, creating a corridor of leather and chrome. Each man stood at attention, some visibly fighting tears.
“We’re going to walk him to school,” Bear said. “Every day, if needed. Until he’s ready to go on his own. Jim rode with us for fifteen years. His boy is our responsibility now.”
“All of you?” I asked, looking at the dozens of men lining our walkway.
“Every available brother,” Bear confirmed. “We’ve got a rotating schedule worked out. Brothers from three states have signed up. Tommy will never walk alone.”
I wanted to protest, to say it was too much, that they didn’t owe us anything. But Tommy had already grabbed Bear’s hand and was pulling him toward the door.
“Come on, Mr. Bear! If we don’t leave now, I’ll miss morning circle time!”
This from the child who’d been screaming about school for three weeks.
The walk to kindergarten was surreal. Forty-seven bikers walking in formation around one small boy wearing an oversized helmet, their heavy boots creating a rhythm on the sidewalk. Cars stopped. People came out of houses. Someone started filming.
Tommy walked in the center, his dinosaur backpack bouncing, one hand holding mine and the other clutching Bear’s massive fingers. Every few steps, he’d touch the helmet and whisper something I couldn’t hear.
When we reached the school, the principal, Mrs. Henderson, was standing outside with what looked like the entire staff. Her hand was over her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
“Mr. Jim talked about you all the time,” she said to the bikers. “He was so proud of his brothers.”
That’s when I learned something else. Jim had been secretly teaching motorcycle safety at the school, volunteer work he’d never mentioned. The kindergarten classroom had a “Motorcycle Monday” program where he’d read books about bikes and teach kids about road safety.
“We didn’t want to stop the program,” Mrs. Henderson explained. “But we didn’t know how to continue without him.”
Bear stepped forward. “Ma’am, if you’ll have us, the club would be honored to continue Jim’s work. We’ve got brothers who are teachers, mechanics, even a pediatric nurse. We can keep Motorcycle Monday going.”
Tommy tugged on my hand. “Mommy, can I show my class Daddy’s helmet?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice. As we walked toward the entrance, the bikers formed two lines, creating an honor guard for Tommy to walk through. Each man nodded as he passed, some saluting, others just touching their hearts.
At the classroom door, Tommy turned back to look at them all. Then he did something that broke and healed my heart simultaneously. He stood at attention, lifted his small hand to the helmet in a perfect salute – something Jim must have taught him – and said in his loudest voice: “Thank you for bringing my daddy with me.”
The toughest, roughest men I’d ever seen fell apart. Bear turned away, shoulders shaking. Others pulled off sunglasses to wipe their eyes. Two had to hold each other up.
Tommy marched into his classroom, head high in his father’s helmet, ready to face kindergarten.
But Bear caught my arm before I could follow. “There’s something else,” he said quietly. “Jim left more than just the helmet. He set up a college fund, had all the brothers contributing. Every charity ride, every poker run, a portion went into Tommy’s account. It’s not a fortune, but it’ll give him options.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I managed.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Bear replied. “Jim was our brother. That makes you and Tommy family. And family takes care of family.”
For the next three months, they kept their promise. Every single morning, at least three bikers would arrive to walk Tommy to school. Word spread through the motorcycle community, and riders from other clubs started joining. Veterans, Christian riders, sport bike clubs – all united in ensuring one small boy felt protected.
Tommy thrived. His nightmares stopped. He started laughing again. He even began telling other kids about his “uncles” who rode motorcycles and kept him safe.
The helmet routine became his courage ritual. Every morning, he’d put it on for the walk to school, seeing his father’s messages, then carefully hand it to me at the classroom door. “Keep Daddy safe until I get back,” he’d say.
The story went viral after a parent posted a video of the bikers walking Tommy to school. News stations picked it up. Donations poured in for Tommy’s college fund from riders around the world. But more importantly, it changed how our community saw bikers.
The same people who used to cross the street when they saw leather vests now waved at the morning motorcycle escorts. Local businesses started offering free coffee to the riders. The school officially adopted the Widows and Orphans MC as partners in their safety education program.
But the biggest change was in Tommy. Six months after that first escorted walk, he told me he didn’t need the helmet anymore.
“Daddy’s not in the helmet, Mommy,” he said with five-year-old wisdom. “He’s in here.” He touched his chest. “And he’s in all the uncles who come to walk with me. I don’t need to wear him anymore because I carry him everywhere.”
We still have the helmet, displayed in a place of honor in our living room. The bikers still come, though less frequently now, just checking in, making sure we’re okay. Tommy is seven now, riding his bicycle with training wheels while a parade of motorcycles follows at two miles per hour, teaching him about road safety, about brotherhood, about the family you choose.
Last week, Tommy asked Bear when he could learn to ride a real motorcycle.
“When you’re ready, little warrior,” Bear said. “And we’ll all be there to teach you, just like your dad would have wanted.”
“All of you?” Tommy asked, looking at the dozen bikers in our yard for Sunday barbecue.
“Every last one of us,” Bear confirmed. “That’s what family does.”
Tommy nodded solemnly, then ran off to play, his father’s legacy of brotherhood protecting him with every step.
The funeral may have been three years ago, but Jim’s brothers have never left. They showed up when a widow and her son needed them most, and they’ve never stopped showing up.
Because that’s what bikers do. They ride together. They stand together. And when one falls, they make sure his family never stands alone.
Forty-seven bikers walked my son to kindergarten, and in doing so, they walked us both back to life.