20 Louisiana and Cajun Recipes for a Summer Dinner

Louisiana and Cajun recipes are known for bringing big flavor to everyday meals. Hearty classics, well-loved family favorites, and comforting Southern traditions make these recipes easy to enjoy any night of the week. They're a delicious way to add a little Southern hospitality to your dinner table.

Classic Louisiana Gumbo Recipe

A bowl of gumbo with white rice in the center, garnished with chopped green onions. — Louisiana Gumbo. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich, hearty, and packed with smoky sausage, tender seafood, and a deeply flavorful broth, every spoonful tastes like it has been simmering all day. It's the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Classic Louisiana Gumbo Recipe

Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Close up of a pan of cornbread with a slice centered between 2 missing pieces. — Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Golden edges and a soft, tender center make this a perfect side for just about any Southern meal. Fresh from a hot skillet, it's delicious served alongside soups, stews, or your favorite Cajun dishes.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Rows of old fashioned buttermilk biscuits — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tall, flaky layers and a buttery texture make these impossible to resist while they're still warm. One bite and you'll understand why everyone always asks for another batch.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Easy 20-Minute Blackened Chicken Recipe

Sliced grilled chicken with herbs on a wooden board, knife beside, parsley garnish on the side. — Blackened Chicken. Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

Bold Cajun seasoning creates a flavorful crust while keeping every bite juicy and tender inside. It's an easy dinner that pairs well with everything from rice to fresh summer vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy 20-Minute Blackened Chicken Recipe

The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe

Rice and chicken stew with tomato-based sauce and herbs, served in a bowl with a fork. — Shrimp Creole Recipe. Photo credit: From A Chef's Kitchen.

Tender shrimp simmer in a rich, well-seasoned tomato sauce that's full of classic New Orleans flavor. Spoon it over rice for a comforting dinner that's always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe

Baked Cajun Chicken Wings with Remoulade Sauce

A plate of seasoned chicken wings with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce on the side. — Cajun Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Risa's Family Kitchen.

Crispy baked wings coated in bold Cajun seasoning pair perfectly with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Set out a platter for game day or a backyard gathering and they'll disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cajun Chicken Wings with Remoulade Sauce

Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Cajun Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Slow-cooked beans, smoky sausage, and plenty of seasoning come together in a dish that's pure comfort. It's filling, flavorful, and one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Grilled Chicken Legs with Cajun Dry Rub

Grilled, seasoned chicken drumsticks in a red basket lined with white parchment paper on a wire rack. — Chicken Legs with Cajun Dry Rub. Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

Smoky grilled chicken with a bold spice crust is made for warm summer evenings. Toss them on the grill and dinner is practically guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Legs with Cajun Dry Rub

Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

Crawfish étouffée with white rice, garnished with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes. — Crawfish Etouffee Recipe. Photo credit: Chilli Pepper Madness.

Rich, savory gravy coats tender crawfish in a dish that's packed with comforting Cajun flavor. Served over fluffy rice, it's one of those meals that feels like home from the very first bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

Classic Cajun Seafood Boil

Cajun Seafood Boil. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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Juicy shrimp, sweet crab, and a buttery garlic sauce create the kind of meal everyone loves gathering around. Roll up your sleeves because this is one dinner that's meant to be enjoyed with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cajun Seafood Boil

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Creamy pasta in a skillet with shrimp, sausage, and red peppers, beside a wooden spoon and striped towel. — Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a rich creamy sauce coat every bite of pasta with bold Cajun flavor. It feels like something you'd order at a restaurant but comes together easily at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Blackened Fish Sandwiches with Spicy Corn and Cabbage Slaw

Chicken sandwich with coleslaw filling on parchment paper, partially eaten, on a wooden table. — Blackened Fish Sandwiches. Photo credit: Foodess.

Flaky blackened fish topped with a crisp, colorful slaw creates the perfect mix of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors. It's the kind of sandwich that's just right when you're craving something satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Sandwiches with Spicy Corn and Cabbage Slaw

One-Pot Chicken Creole and Rice

Chicken Creole and Rice. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

Tender chicken, seasoned rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce cook together into a comforting one-pan dinner. It's a simple meal that delivers plenty of bold Southern flavor without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Chicken Creole and Rice

Easy Cajun Dirty Rice

Cajun Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Savory, well-seasoned rice mixed with classic Louisiana flavors turns a simple meal into something special. It works just as well as a hearty side dish as it does for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cajun Dirty Rice

Creole Pork Chops with Tomato Pepper Relish

Creole Pork Chops. Photo credit: Kalyn's Kitchen.

Juicy pork chops paired with a bright tomato and pepper topping create a dinner that's full of fresh Southern flavor. It's an easy way to bring a little taste of New Orleans to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creole Pork Chops with Tomato Pepper Relish

Cajun Air Fryer Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber

Cajun Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Nkechi Ajaeroh.

Perfectly seasoned salmon paired with cool avocado and crisp cucumber makes dinner feel fresh without sacrificing flavor. Everything comes together quickly, making busy evenings a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Air Fryer Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber

Easy Louisiana Crawfish Bread

Louisiana Crawfish Bread. Photo credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

Crispy French bread piled high with a cheesy crawfish filling makes every slice warm, rich, and satisfying. It's always a hit as an appetizer or a casual dinner with friends.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Crawfish Bread

The Best Jambalaya Recipe

Jambalaya Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Smoky meat, tender rice, and bold Louisiana spices come together in one hearty, flavor-packed meal. It's a classic dish that's perfect for feeding family or friends around the table.
Get the Recipe: The Best Jambalaya Recipe

One-Pot Crawfish Monica Creamy Cajun Crawfish Pasta

Crawfish Monica. Photo credit: LL Eats by Lamberts Lately.

Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with crawfish comes together in one pot for an easy meal with plenty of Louisiana flavor. Every bite is rich, comforting, and perfect when you're craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Crawfish Monica Creamy Cajun Crawfish Pasta

Easy Cajun Butter Shrimp

Cajun Butter Shrimp. Photo credit: From A Chef's Kitchen.

Tender shrimp coated in a rich buttery sauce with garlic and Cajun spices make an impressive meal without much effort. Don't forget a piece of crusty bread because you'll want every last drop of that sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cajun Butter Shrimp