Description
Shrimp Fajita Quesadillas are loaded with seasoned shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, creamy cheese filling, and crispy tortillas for an easy restaurant-style dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Quesadillas:
- 2 XL flour tortillas
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided (see recipe below or use packaged)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
- Sour cream, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Avocado, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Creamy Cheesy Filling:
- 4 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon diced green chiles
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the shrimp to a bowl with one tablespoon olive oil and one tablespoon taco seasoning. Toss well to coat and place in the refrigerator while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the creamy cheesy filling. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bell peppers and season with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning. Sauté until softened, and lightly caramelized.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until fully cooked through. This will only take a few minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- Transfer the shrimp and peppers to a bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy cheesy filling onto one side of a tortilla.
- Add a small drizzle of oil to the same skillet. There is no need to wipe the pan clean.
- Place the tortilla into the skillet with the filling side facing up.
- Top with half of the shrimp and pepper mixture.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Place the second tortilla on top.
- Cook until golden brown on the bottom.
- Carefully flip and cook until the second side is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and allow to rest for several minutes before slicing.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients if making additional quesadillas.
- Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa if desired.
- ENJOY!
Equipment
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the skillet.
- A thin layer of the creamy filling works best and prevents the quesadillas from becoming too heavy.
- Allow the quesadillas to rest for a few minutes before slicing to help the filling set.
- The homemade taco seasoning can be prepared weeks in advance and stored in a sealed spice jar.
- Add sliced onions along with the bell peppers if you prefer a more traditional fajita filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Mexican