Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “ew” or “what’s that green thing?” I feel you. The nightly dinner battle is real, and I’m right there in the trenches with you.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite solution: Cajun Spiced Foil Packet Shrimp with Corn & Sausage. It’s the hero we all need. Imagine juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and smoky sausage all cooked together with zero pots to scrub. If you love this combo, you might also enjoy our Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi Quesadillas for another quick, flavor-packed dinner.
I promise this isn’t one of those complicated, chef-y recipes. It’s simple, fun, and the flavors are a total crowd-pleaser. Let’s make dinner easy again.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids surprised me with this one. I think the magic is in the packet. Everything cooks together, so the flavors mellow and blend into something delicious.
The shrimp get sweet and tender. The corn gets a little smoky. And the sausage? Well, that’s usually the gateway ingredient that gets them to try the first bite.
Plus, it’s not a big, scary casserole. They can see each ingredient clearly. They can pick what they want to try first. That sense of control is a game-changer for hesitant little eaters.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep this list simple and flexible. You can find everything at your regular grocery store.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 3 ears of corn, cut into 2-inch rounds (or 2 cups frozen corn)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see note below!)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Important Note on Cajun Seasoning: Check the salt content! Some store-bought blends are very salty. For a kid-friendly version, I often use a low-sodium blend or make my own mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a tiny pinch of cayenne.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids in the kitchen builds their confidence and curiosity about food. This recipe is perfect for little helpers.
Cajun Spiced Foil Packet Shrimp with Corn & Sausage Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Spiced Foil Packet Shrimp with Corn & Sausage Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Task 1: The Veggie Rinser. Have them rinse the bell pepper and corn in a colander. It’s a simple, splashy job they’ll love.
Task 2: The Packet Assembler. Once you’ve laid out the foil, let them be in charge of dividing the sausage slices and corn rounds among the packets. It’s like a delicious puzzle.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This is one of the easiest dinners you’ll ever make. I’ll walk you through it.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each).
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, corn, bell pepper, and onion.
- Drizzle the olive oil over everything. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly on top.
- Use your hands or a big spoon to toss everything together until it’s all nicely coated. This is the fun part!
- Divide the mixture evenly among the four foil sheets, piling it in the center of each.
- Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them down tightly. Then, roll up the ends to seal the packet completely. You want a nice, snug package so the steam stays inside.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet (this catches any drips) and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Carefully open one packet to check if the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be mindful of the hot steam!
- Serve the packets right on plates (for less mess) or empty the contents into bowls. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with parsley if you like.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this meal work for your crew’s unique tastes.
For Sensitive Palates: Serve the Cajun seasoning on the side! Toss the veggies and protein with just oil, salt, and pepper before baking. Let everyone shake on their own spice after.
For Veggie Lovers: Add halved baby potatoes or chunks of zucchini to the mix. They soak up all the amazing flavors.
For the Adults: After baking, drizzle a little hot sauce or sprinkle extra red pepper flakes over your portion. A pat of butter stirred in at the end is also divine. If you’re looking for another 30-minute dinner with a kick, our shrimp scampi quesadillas are a fantastic option.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This meal is a fantastic make-ahead option for crazy weeks.
Let the cooked mixture cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
You can also assemble the raw packets up to a day ahead. Keep them sealed on a tray in the fridge, then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready. Dinner is done in 20 minutes!
Nutrition Notes
This is a balanced meal all in one packet! Here’s a quick look at what you’re serving.
- High in Protein: Shrimp and sausage give everyone lasting energy.
- Good Fats: Olive oil provides healthy fats for growing brains.
- Fiber & Vitamins: Corn and bell peppers add fiber, vitamin C, and other good stuff.
- Customizable: You control the sodium and spice level, which is a big win.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! These are perfect camping food ideas or for a backyard BBQ. Place the sealed packets directly over medium-high heat on your grill. Cook for about 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
No problem! Chicken breast cut into chunks works wonderfully. Just make sure to bake it a few minutes longer, until the chicken is fully cooked. Firm fish like cod or salmon is also a great swap.
My store doesn’t have fresh corn. What can I do?
Frozen corn is a fantastic, easy shortcut. Just use 2 cups straight from the bag—no need to thaw it first. It will cook perfectly in the packet.
So there you have it. A spicy seafood dinner idea that doesn’t have to be too spicy. A foil packet meal that means no dirty dishes. A win for parents and kids alike. For another quick and delicious way to enjoy Cajun shrimp, check out our Spicy Cajun Shrimp Scampi Quesadillas | 30-Minute Dinner.
I really hope this recipe brings a little peace and a lot of flavor to your family table. It’s become our go-to for busy nights and fun weekends.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater try the shrimp? What fun twists did you add? Please leave a comment and rating below!
