Ready to bring the heart and soul of Louisiana right into your kitchen? The Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe is my go-to for those nights when I crave big flavors with minimal prep and cleanup. Succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in one pan to create a meal that’s bursting with color, personality, and just the right kick of spice. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a flavor-packed dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver the ultimate weeknight comfort food experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to make this kitchen hero. Each element brings its own spark: the shrimp provide a juicy bite; the Cajun seasoning adds bold heat; the trifecta of onion, bell pepper, and garlic creates that classic Southern base; and of course, the rice soaks up all those savory juices.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Go for the biggest, freshest shrimp you can find for a succulent, meaty texture.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons): This spice blend brings the heat and is the key to authentic flavor in the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps bring out the aromatics and gives the shrimp a beautiful sear.
- Small onion (diced): Sweet and savory onion rounds out the flavor base.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds color and a hint of sweetness for depth.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For irresistible aroma and classic Cajun flair.
- Long grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): The perfect variety to soak up all the spicy, savory juices.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Infuses the rice with even more flavor as it cooks.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a smoky note and extra color.
- Thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch for an herby background.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Brings balance to the whole dish.
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish: A sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon both brighten and finish the skillet beautifully.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp with a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and one tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Letting the shrimp marinate even just for a few minutes allows those Cajun spices to infuse every bite, making the end result incredibly flavorful and juicy. Set aside while you kick off the rice.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in your remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, stirring and cooking until they soften and become fragrant—about three to four minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds to avoid any bitterness, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Now, stir the uncooked rice right into the skillet. Give it a minute or two to toast, which develops a slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying texture. This step is small but really makes a big difference in the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe’s final taste and presentation.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Spices
Add the chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer. In about 18 to 20 minutes, the rice will be tender, fluffy, and all the savory essence will be soaked up.
Step 5: Sear the Shrimp
While the rice finishes up, grab another skillet and heat it over medium-high. Sear the marinated shrimp for just one to two minutes on each side until they’re opaque and slightly golden. This technique keeps them juicy and gives you that irresistible “snap” when you take a bite.
Step 6: Combine and Garnish
Fluff the finished rice with a fork, then arrange your succulent, cooked shrimp on top. Shower with chopped parsley and serve it up hot with lemon wedges on the side for that final citrus zing. You’re officially ready to dig in to the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe!
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges are all it takes to turn this skillet into something dinner-party worthy. The parsley adds a pop of green and freshness, while a squeeze of lemon brightens up all the bold spices in every forkful.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet is a full meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with a crisp green salad, a hunk of crusty bread, or even roasted okra for an extra taste of the South. Don’t be afraid to round things out with your favorite Cajun-inspired sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe into a showstopper by serving it directly from the skillet at the table. For an even more festive touch, plate it individually in wide, shallow bowls and garnish each serving with parsley, fresh lemon, and maybe even a few slices of spicy andouille sausage for an authentic finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and get even bolder overnight, making lunch the next day a true treat.
Freezing
If you want to freeze some for later, let the dish cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two months. Just note that shrimp can change texture a bit after freezing, so a gentle reheat is best.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or extra broth to the skillet or a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and warm over medium heat (or in the microwave) until piping hot. This prevents the rice from drying out and keeps everything tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I substitute brown rice for the white rice?
Absolutely! Swap in brown rice for a boost of fiber and a slightly chewier texture. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to increase both the cooking time and the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook through.
What shrimp size is best for this recipe?
Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and meaty through searing, making each bite extra satisfying. If you only have medium shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 30 seconds or so to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level all depends on your Cajun seasoning! If yours is on the spicy side, feel free to dial it back for a milder dish, or add an extra pinch of cayenne if you want to crank the fire up.
Can I add sausage or extra veggies?
Definitely. Sliced andouille sausage adds fantastic flavor and heartiness. You can also stir in veggies like green peas, diced tomatoes, or even corn for extra color and nutrition—it’s all about making the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe your own!
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you’re looking for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The dish will be just as tasty and full of robust flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like diving into a steaming bowl of this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe when you need serious comfort and big flavor in a hurry. It’s a one-pan wonder that’ll satisfy anyone who loves a little spice and a lot of heart in their dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a regular star in your recipe rotation!
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Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines juicy shrimp with Cajun spices, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic rice. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
For the Rice:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside to marinate while you start the rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a large skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper. Add garlic, then rice and toast. Add chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sear marinated shrimp in a separate skillet until cooked through.
- Assemble: Fluff the rice, top with shrimp, and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- Use brown rice for extra fiber—adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Enhance with andouille sausage or green onions for more Cajun flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
