If you crave bold flavors and crowd-pleasing dinners that come together in under an hour, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. Succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful veggies are all tossed in a robust Cajun spice blend and simmered in a single pan, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner or hoping to impress guests with a pop of Cajun flair, this delicious one-skillet meal delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the flavor in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe tastes complex, the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each element is chosen to maximize taste, texture, and presentation—so don’t skip a thing if you can help it!
- Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a tender bite and quick cook time.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté and build a golden base.
- Cajun Seasoning: The backbone of this recipe, bringing smoky, spicy, and savory notes from the very first bite.
- Onion: Diced onion sweetens and mellows as it cooks, perfectly mingling with the spices.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds pops of color and a delicate sweetness to balance the heat.
- Garlic: Minced fresh, garlic gives the dish an aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This keeps the skillet fluffy instead of mushy, and soaks up all those flavorful juices.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with extra flavor and creates a rich base for simmering.
- Smoked Paprika: A hint of smokiness deepens the complexity and enhances the Cajun profile.
- Salt: Just enough to round out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black Pepper: A subtle kick that complements the Cajun spices.
- Green Onions (optional): Sliced and sprinkled for fresh color and a little crunch on top.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley is a bright, finishing flourish that ties everything together.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with the Cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl. Let those beautiful spices coat every piece—this step infuses the shrimp with maximum flavor. Set the seasoned shrimp aside while you prepare the rest of your skillet; this brief marinating period works wonders for taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, letting them sizzle and soften for 3 to 4 minutes. As the veggies sauté, they begin building the aromatic, savory base that will carry every layer of this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Toast the Garlic and Rice
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, enough to unlock its fragrance without letting it burn. Next, pour the uncooked rice straight into the skillet. Toast the rice for about a minute, stirring constantly—this adds a subtle nuttiness and ensures the grains will cook up fluffy and delicious.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by a sprinkle of smoked paprika, plus the salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is where the flavors all meld together, creating that signature Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe magic.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Once the rice is cooked, nestle the seasoned shrimp into the skillet, tucking them into the rice so they gently steam. Cover and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook, or they’ll get rubbery! This final step is where all the vibrant flavors and colors really come to life.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat, then fluff the rice with a fork to separate those beautiful grains. For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped parsley on top. Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your skillet with a shower of sliced green onions and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. Not only do these garnishes brighten the presentation, they add a hint of flavor and crunch that complement the soft shrimp and tender rice beautifully. Don’t be shy—a wedge of lemon on the side will also kick the vibrancy up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs amazingly with other Southern favorites. Try it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted okra for a hearty dinner. For an extra indulgence, creamy coleslaw or a cool cucumber salad balances the spice and adds refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe to new heights by serving it family style in a colorful cast iron pan, or spooning it into individual bowls for meal prep lunches. Hosting a get-together? Try tucking the shrimp and rice into roasted bell pepper halves or lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist that always sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give everything a gentle stir before chilling to keep the rice from sticking, and try to keep the shrimp tucked under the rice so they stay moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze extras, let the dish cool completely and transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. The rice and shrimp both freeze surprisingly well—just know that the texture of the shrimp may be slightly softer when reheated. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help revive the moisture, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until steaming. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing halfway to stir and ensure even heating. For best results, don’t overcook during reheating to keep the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry well before tossing with the Cajun seasoning. This way, your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe will cook evenly and the shrimp will absorb maximum flavor.
Is it okay to use brown rice or a different type Main Course
Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need a bit more broth. The Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe works best with long-grain white rice for the fluffiest texture, but you can experiment with what you have on hand.
How spicy is this recipe?
The beauty of homemade Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe is that you control the heat! Cajun seasoning can range in spiciness from mild to hot, so feel free to adjust the amount (or use a low-sodium blend) based on your preference and who’s at the dinner table.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. This dish is versatile—diced tomatoes, corn, celery, or even spinach all make great add-ins and can boost nutrition and flavor. Just sauté or stir them in with the other veggies or right before simmering for extra color and texture.
What if I only have pre-cooked shrimp?
No problem at all! Add pre-cooked shrimp at the very end, stirring through until just warmed. This ensures they stay plump and delicious in your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe without turning rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe is everything a home cook dreams of: hearty, colorful, and packed with Cajun flair, all cooked in a single pan. If you love bringing warmth and energy to your mealtime, give this recipe a try—you’re just 35 minutes away from a family-favorite dinner that’s as easy as it is exciting!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines succulent shrimp with Cajun-seasoned rice, bell peppers, and onions. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined;
Seasoning:
1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning;
Vegetables:
1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced;
Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked);
Liquid:
2 1/4 cups chicken broth;
Seasonings:
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper;
Garnish:
2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish); fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Toss the Shrimp: Combine shrimp with Cajun seasoning, set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice and toast lightly.
- Cook Rice: Pour in chicken broth, add paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Nestle seasoned shrimp into skillet, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Finish: Fluff rice, garnish with green onions and parsley, serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for a quicker version—add at the end to warm through.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste preference.
- Brown rice can be substituted, but cooking time will be longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
