Happy Shrimp Recipe (Creamy, Spicy & Addictive)

Happy Shrimp is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet shrimp dish that lives up to its name—it’s comfort food that makes you smile. Made famous in Southern kitchens and popular in restaurants like Copeland’s, it features tender shrimp in a Cajun-spiced cream sauce, often served over rice or pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: cooked rice or pasta, for serving

Directions

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add cream, sweet chili sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
3. Return shrimp to the sauce. Stir to coat and simmer for 1–2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.