Shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce are a warm, comforting, and indulgent seafood dish that combines juicy shrimp, melty cheese, and a homemade cream sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. This flavorful meal strikes the perfect balance between richness and spice, making it a go-to option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. What sets this recipe apart is its creamy homemade sauce, which elevates the dish from everyday to extraordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican cuisine, dating back to Aztec times when tortillas were wrapped around small fish. Today, the dish has evolved into a global comfort food favorite with regional variations. For a seafood-forward twist, these shrimp enchiladas offer a modern take that still honors their traditional origins. Learn more about the history of enchiladas and how they became a staple in both Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine here.

What truly makes this dish stand out is the luxurious cream sauce. Made with butter, flour, whole milk, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, it’s velvety and flavorful, providing the perfect base for the enchiladas. The use of a classic roux thickens the sauce while adding a subtle richness. If you’re curious about this technique, explore how a roux functions in sauces and stews.

This recipe also invites endless variations. You can easily substitute ingredients, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or boost the heat with green chilies or jalapeños. It’s a flexible meal that can be tailored to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For visual inspiration and plating ideas, check out these enchilada dinner ideas on Pinterest.

Stay tuned for the next section where we break down exactly why you’ll love this recipe and what makes it so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. From the flavor-packed filling to the luscious sauce, every bite delivers a comforting blend of textures and taste. Here’s what makes this dish irresistible:

Creamy and Flavorful: The homemade sauce, built on a rich base of butter, flour, and whole milk, is enhanced with Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and green chilies. This adds both creaminess and a subtle heat, making the dish savory and slightly spicy without being overwhelming.
Quick and Easy to Make: With a prep and cook time of under 45 minutes, this recipe is a practical yet impressive option for both weeknights and last-minute guests. Unlike more complex seafood dishes, this one doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you want it spicier, cheesier, or loaded with veggies, this recipe adapts easily. Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an earthy twist, or swap out shrimp for crab to experiment with different seafood options. For more creative ideas, browse seafood recipes on Pinterest to inspire new combinations.

Balanced Texture and Flavor: The contrast between the tender shrimp, the melted cheese, and the soft tortillas—smothered in a silky sauce—creates a multidimensional eating experience. Each bite is creamy, slightly chewy, and infused with the smoky flavor of chili spices.
Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: Even those who aren’t big fans of seafood often enjoy this dish because the creamy sauce tempers the seafood flavor, allowing the richness of the other ingredients to shine.

These creamy shrimp enchiladas deliver the kind of comforting indulgence that feels both special and familiar. Next, we’ll dive into the ingredients breakdown so you can understand exactly what goes into creating this unforgettable meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each component of these creamy shrimp enchiladas is key to mastering the recipe and tailoring it to your taste. From the seasoned shrimp filling to the velvety cream sauce, each ingredient serves a specific purpose. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential elements.

Shrimp Filling Ingredients

Shrimp (1 lb): Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. Smaller shrimp (like 51/60 count) work well as they cook quickly and fit easily inside tortillas. To learn more about shrimp varieties and preparation, visit the shrimp Wikipedia page.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté the onions and shrimp, giving them a lightly caramelized flavor.
Diced Onion (½ cup): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.

Seasonings (½ tsp each of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder): These create a Tex-Mex flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup shredded): This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully. You can read more about Monterey Jack and its role in melting cheeses.

Cheddar Cheese (1 cup shredded): Adds sharpness and a richer cheese flavor when combined with Monterey Jack.

Cream Sauce Ingredients

Butter (2 tbsp): The base of the sauce, used to create a roux that thickens the mixture.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Combines with butter to form the roux.

Whole Milk (2 cups): For a smooth, rich texture. Lower-fat milk can be used, but it may affect creaminess.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and smooth texture. Learn more about sour cream and its culinary uses.
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup shredded): Reappears in the sauce for a double layer of creamy cheese.

Chopped Green Chilies (¼ cup): These canned chilies bring mild heat and a fresh, slightly smoky flavor. You can adjust based on heat preference.
Salt and Pepper: Final seasoning touch to balance the richness.

Tortilla Options

Flour Tortillas (8 small): Soft, pliable, and perfect for rolling. Choose tortillas around 6 inches in diameter for single-serving portions.

Corn Tortillas: Can be used for a gluten-free option but may crack unless warmed first. For more on the cultural and culinary role of tortillas, read the enchilada history.

Optional Toppings

Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Adds color and a bright, herbaceous finish. For more on its uses, check out the cilantro Wikipedia entry.
Green Onions (sliced): Offers a mild onion flavor and crunchy texture.

Diced Tomatoes: Adds freshness and acidity to balance the rich sauce.
Extra Cheese: A final sprinkle of cheese can be added before baking for an extra gooey finish.

With these ingredients, you’re set to prepare a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. In the next section, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step cooking instructions to bring it all together.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Mastering the method behind shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce is just as important as using the right ingredients. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a smooth, flavorful cooking process from start to finish.

Prepping the Shrimp Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add shrimp, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook shrimp for 3–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
If using larger shrimp, remove from heat and chop coarsely to make them easier to distribute in the enchiladas.

This quick sauté brings out the shrimp’s natural flavor while the spices create a base that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Curious about other seafood fillings? Explore seafood recipes for ideas.

Making the Cream Sauce

In a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.

Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 4–5 minutes.

Stir in ½ cup of sour cream, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and ¼ cup of chopped green chilies.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and melted.

This sauce forms the creamy heart of the dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and slightly tangy from the sour cream. Learn more about how a roux works to thicken sauces and soups.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Warm 8 flour tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll.

Lay each tortilla flat and fill with a spoonful of shrimp mixture and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Roll each tortilla and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Proper assembly ensures the enchiladas stay closed and cook evenly. For tortillas that won’t crack, warm them briefly on a skillet or in the microwave.

Baking Instructions

Pour the prepared cream sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle extra cheese over the top if desired.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to brown the cheese topping.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Enchiladas

Perfecting this dish is easier when you keep a few key tips in mind. These expert techniques ensure your creamy shrimp enchiladas come out flawless every time.

Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them juicy and tender.

Toast or Warm Tortillas First: This prevents them from cracking and makes them easier to roll. Use a dry skillet or a microwave with a damp paper towel.
Don’t Oversaturate with Sauce: Pour the cream sauce evenly but don’t drown the enchiladas, or they may become soggy.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Shred cheese fresh for best results.

Make It Spicy or Mild: Choose mild or hot green chilies, or add jalapeños for extra heat. You can also swap in pepper jack for more spice.
Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or corn for added texture and nutrition.

For ideas on different ways to customize your enchiladas, check out enchilada dinner ideas.

Delicious Variations to Try

You can make this dish your own by experimenting with flavorful variations. Here are some options that bring new life to the classic shrimp enchilada.

Spicy Shrimp Enchiladas

Add diced jalapeños or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the shrimp filling.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra kick.

Shrimp and Spinach Enchiladas

Sauté fresh spinach with the onions before adding shrimp.
Adds nutrients and an earthy flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.

Tex-Mex Style

Mix in black beans or corn kernels for a heartier filling.

Top with chopped avocado and a squeeze of lime after baking. Learn more about Tex-Mex cuisine to explore other regional inspirations.

Keto/Low-Carb Option

Use low-carb tortillas or make homemade egg-based wraps.

Replace flour in the sauce with almond flour, and use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.

These variations show how flexible this recipe can be. It works for many diets and taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

Perfect Side Dishes for Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

Pairing the right sides with your enchiladas can complete the meal and add contrast to the creamy richness. Here are a few classic and refreshing options:

Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that absorbs the creamy sauce well.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Adds freshness and acidity that balances the dish.
Refried Beans or Black Beans: Traditional and hearty options.

Grilled Corn or Elote: Sweet corn with chili and lime complements the spicy cream sauce.
Fresh Salad: Use arugula, romaine, or iceberg with lime vinaigrette.
Tortilla Chips with Guacamole or Salsa: Great for added crunch and color.

These side dishes not only round out your plate but also offer opportunities to contrast textures and temperatures.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Planning ahead makes serving shrimp enchiladas with cream sauce even easier. Here’s how to store and prep in advance:

Make-Ahead: Assemble enchiladas without baking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add sauce just before baking to prevent sogginess.
To Freeze: Assemble enchiladas and wrap tightly with foil. Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions.
Storage: Cooked enchiladas keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezing makes this a great option for meal prepping or future entertaining.

Nutrition and Dietary Adjustments

Understanding the nutritional content of these shrimp enchiladas can help you make informed choices, especially if you’re managing dietary needs.

Calories: One serving (1–2 enchiladas) contains approximately 350–450 calories, depending on portion size and toppings.
Protein: Shrimp and cheese provide a protein-rich meal. Expect around 20–25g per serving.
Carbohydrates: Flour tortillas and sauce contribute roughly 25–30g of carbs per serving.
Fat Content: The sour cream and cheese make this dish higher in fat, averaging 15–20g per serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and gluten-free flour in the roux.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheese with vegan cheese and sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.

For more on cheese options, see this guide to Monterey Jack, a common ingredient in both traditional and dairy-free recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in enchiladas?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time during the sauté step. Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them rubbery.

What’s the best cheese for creamy shrimp enchiladas?
Monterey Jack is ideal for its mild flavor and melting quality. Blend with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for more depth or spice.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the dish, then bake when ready. Add the sauce just before baking to prevent sogginess.

How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Don’t overload with sauce, and warm tortillas before rolling. Also, avoid stacking them too closely in the dish.

Are shrimp enchiladas spicy?
Not by default. The recipe is mild unless you add hot green chilies or extra spices. Adjust to your heat preference.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, corn, or even zucchini for a more balanced and nutritious filling.

What’s a good cream sauce alternative?
You can use a green enchilada sauce blended with sour cream or a light tomato-cream sauce as a flavorful substitute.

Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce: A Creamy Seafood Delight