Name: Shrimp Con Queso Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1.5 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 450 grams (1 pound) shrimp, thawed, deveined, and shelled; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning; 60 millilitres (1/4 cup) heavy cream, plus more for thinning if desired; 57 grams (2 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 180 grams (1.5 cups) pepper jack cheese, shredded; 60 grams (1/2 cup) white American cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something about the melty, savory magic of cheesy skillet dinners that makes me come running back—especially when it’s this Shrimp Con Queso Skillet. Imagine tender shrimp, sautéed peppers, and mushrooms, all swirled together in a silky, spicy cheese sauce. It’s hearty comfort food with a south-of-the-border twist and comes together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimum fuss (and mess)! This is one of those dishes that transforms any weeknight into something genuinely special.

Shrimp Con Queso Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most is how the Shrimp Con Queso Skillet uses simple ingredients to create totally bold flavors. Each component shines through, bringing its unique taste, texture, or color—contributing to a masterpiece that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Olive oil: Gives a rich base and helps veggies and shrimp get that irresistible golden sear.
Mixed bell peppers: Add sweetness and a vibrant, confetti-like color throughout the skillet.
Red onion: Lends gentle sharpness and balances the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
Mushrooms: Bring an earthy undertone and soak up all that queso goodness.
Shrimp: The star protein—succulent, quick-cooking, and a perfect match for spicy, cheesy flavors.
Taco seasoning: Instantly layers in smokiness and spice—a shortcut to deep, Tex-Mex flavor.
Heavy cream: Enriches the queso sauce with luxurious silkiness—add more if you like it extra saucy!
Cream cheese: Makes the sauce extra smooth and thickens it to cling to every bite.
Pepper jack cheese: For a melty, stretchy finish with a peppery kick.
White American cheese: The secret to that gooey, classic queso texture you can scoop with a chip.

How to Make Shrimp Con Queso Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. Sauté them for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and their colors look deeply saturated. This step really builds the base flavor for your Shrimp Con Queso Skillet, so take the time to bring out their sweetness and aroma.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan along with the taco seasoning. Toss everything well so every shrimp gets coated with those smoky, spicy flavors. Sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes—just until they’re pink and opaque. Quick-cooking shrimp are perfect for a skillet recipe; they stay plump and juicy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to scoop the shrimp and veggies out of the skillet and set them aside for a minute.

Step 3: Prepare the Queso

Reduce the skillet heat to low (don’t skip this so your sauce doesn’t scorch). Add in the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly. The cream cheese will slowly melt, transforming into a thick, luscious sauce with minimal lumps. If needed, use a wooden spoon to mash any little cheesy bits into submission—smoothness is your friend here!

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese

Now for the fun part: pile in the shredded pepper jack and white American cheese, about 60 grams at a time. Stir patiently between each addition to make sure every batch melts and the sauce stays creamy, not clumpy. If you prefer your queso runnier, splash in an extra glug of heavy cream and stir until it’s just the way you like it.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return all the cooked shrimp and vegetables to the skillet, gently folding to coat every piece in that molten queso. Watch as the colors of the shrimp and peppers gleam through the golden, bubbling cheese! Serve immediately, straight from the skillet; that’s when it’s at peak gooey goodness.

How to Serve Shrimp Con Queso Skillet

Garnishes

Once your Shrimp Con Queso Skillet is ready, toss on some fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of diced jalapeño for a burst of color and a hit of herby brightness. A squirt of lime is always welcome, balancing the richness with a pop of acidity.

Side Dishes

Serve this skillet alongside fluffy cilantro rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad for the perfect meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, scoop up every last bit with salty tortilla chips—trust me, no one will mind!

Creative Ways to Present

Take this Shrimp Con Queso Skillet to the next level by spooning it into individual cast iron skillets for dinner parties, or use the cheesy shrimp-veggie mixture to fill tacos, stuff baked potatoes, or even top off a batch of nachos. Guests will rave about how inventive (and delicious) you are.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though, honestly, that’s rare with this dish!), spoon the Shrimp Con Queso Skillet into an airtight container. Once cooled, keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s just as delightful the next day, and the flavors have a chance to meld even more.

Freezing

While you can freeze Shrimp Con Queso Skillet, do keep in mind that the cheese sauce’s texture may change a bit upon thawing. To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the cheese sauce seems too thick. Stir continuously to keep everything creamy and prevent sticking. A microwave works in a pinch, but use low power and stir every 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Con Queso Skillet?

Absolutely! Just make sure your frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Wet shrimp can cause the skillet to steam rather than sear, making it harder to get those wonderful golden edges.

Is it too spicy for kids?

The pepper jack and taco seasoning give it a little kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you have spice-sensitive eaters, use mild taco seasoning and substitute Monterey Jack for the pepper jack cheese—it’s still super delicious!

What kind of skillet works best?

A heavy-bottomed, non-stick or cast-iron skillet works magic here. It holds heat evenly and lets you sauté the veggies and get that gorgeous cheese pull without sticking or burning.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in zucchini, corn, or spinach—anything that cooks quickly and complements the Tex-Mex vibe of the Shrimp Con Queso Skillet. Just avoid veggies that release too much liquid.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and shrimp in advance, then quickly assemble and make the queso sauce just before serving. For best texture, enjoy this skillet hot and fresh, but it’s still great reheated!

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the bold flavors and creamy decadence of Shrimp Con Queso Skillet, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s vibrant, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your favorite people, grab a skillet, and savor every melty, cheesy bite—you’re in for something truly special!

Shrimp Con Queso Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Shrimp Con Queso Skillet recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich cheese sauce and sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp and taco seasoning to the pan, tossing to coat evenly. Sear shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked, then remove shrimp and vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Queso – Reduce skillet heat to low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms with minimal lumps.
Incorporate the Cheese – Gradually add shredded pepper jack and white American cheese in small increments, stirring continuously until all cheese is melted and sauce is homogeneous. For a thinner consistency, stir in additional heavy cream as needed.
Combine and Serve – Return the cooked shrimp and vegetables to the skillet, stirring to thoroughly coat all pieces in the queso. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: Mexican