If you’re looking for a quick and vibrant dinner idea, these Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are the answer! Succulent shrimp tossed with colorful bell peppers and bold Mexican spices create a fiesta of flavors in every bite. This one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something fresh, healthy, and delicious.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize the toppings and adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve these shrimp fajitas sizzling hot with warm tortillas, a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado slices. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just feeding your hungry family, this vibrant meal is sure to impress and satisfy!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 tablespoon chili powder
-
1 teaspoon cumin
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
Fresh cilantro for garnish
-
Warm tortillas for serving
-
Optional toppings: avocado slices, salsa, sour cream
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, toss shrimp, peppers, and onions with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
-
Spread everything out on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
-
Remove from the oven and drizzle with fresh lime juice.
-
Garnish with chopped cilantro.
-
Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
When it comes to fast, flavorful dinners that the whole family will love, Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are hard to beat. This vibrant and colorful dish draws inspiration from the sizzling fajitas often found at Mexican restaurants, where juicy shrimp and sautéed vegetables are served piping hot with a variety of delicious toppings. What makes this recipe even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare—everything cooks on a single sheet pan in the oven, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Fajitas originally hail from Tex-Mex cuisine, a delightful fusion of Texan and Mexican food traditions. Traditionally made with beef, the fajita concept quickly expanded to include chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian options. Shrimp fajitas in particular have become popular for their light yet savory taste, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, nutritious meal without feeling weighed down.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe stands out for several key reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick—ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. The shrimp cook very fast, ensuring they stay tender and juicy rather than becoming rubbery. The combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with thinly sliced red onion, not only provides an explosion of colors but also adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the seasoned shrimp.
The spice blend is another highlight. A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensures the shrimp and veggies are packed with bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. Fresh lime juice squeezed over everything after baking adds a bright, citrusy note that ties the whole dish together perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits
These fajitas are more than just delicious—they’re incredibly nutritious. Shrimp is a high-protein, low-calorie food that’s rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Meanwhile, the bell peppers are loaded with vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
Using olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which promote good cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular wellness. By baking instead of frying, this recipe minimizes the use of added fats, making it an excellent choice for anyone aiming to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
Versatility and Customization
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Dial back the chili powder slightly. You can also customize the toppings—think creamy avocado slices, fresh salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, or even a handful of chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Additionally, this dish is naturally gluten-free (just ensure you use gluten-free tortillas if needed), low-carb when served without tortillas, and can be easily adapted for paleo or keto diets by swapping the tortillas for lettuce wraps or serving it over cauliflower rice.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are also fantastic for meal prepping. Simply divide the cooked shrimp and veggies into containers with some rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas on the side for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The shrimp and veggies reheat beautifully, maintaining their flavor and texture.
Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Flavor
The beauty of sheet pan meals is the minimal cleanup. With everything cooking together on one pan, you save both time and effort in the kitchen. Plus, baking the shrimp and vegetables together allows all those wonderful spices and juices to mingle, creating an even deeper, richer flavor profile.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting a casual dinner party, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal for yourself, these fajitas are sure to please. Kids love the vibrant colors and fun “build-your-own” style of serving, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor and health benefits. It’s a win-win meal that brings everyone to the table.
Fresh, Festive, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Thanks to its colorful presentation and bold flavors, this dish feels festive enough for special occasions like Cinco de Mayo, backyard gatherings, or even a casual Friday night dinner. Serve it alongside a batch of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that feels like a feast without requiring hours in the kitchen.
In Conclusion
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas offer the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste. With their vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and endless topping possibilities, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy option for meal prepping, or a festive dish for entertaining, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Give it a try, and you’ll see why this easy, flavor-packed dish deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation!