Go Back
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can boost the flavor of your One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet with a few extras. Consider adding: - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. - Hot sauce for extra heat and zing. - Sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. - Smoked sausage for a heartier dish. If you don’t have some ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use brown rice instead of white rice; it may take longer to cook. - Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. - If you can’t find Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper instead. These simple changes can help you create a dish that fits your needs and taste. To start, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Next, chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Having these ready makes cooking easier. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for one more minute. This step builds your flavor base. Now, add the rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat with oil and spices. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes. This method adds depth to the rice's flavor. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Mix well, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. After the rice cooks, gently fold in the shrimp and frozen peas. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink when done. Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste. Enjoy your flavorful one-pot Cajun shrimp and rice! To make the best One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice, follow these steps. First, use fresh shrimp for great flavor. If you can't find fresh, frozen shrimp works too. Just ensure they are fully thawed. Next, toast the rice well. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. Stir it often to prevent burning. The timing is key. Cook the rice until it absorbs most of the broth. This keeps it from being soggy. Finally, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors blend. Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They only need about five to seven minutes. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Also, don’t skip the seasoning. Cajun seasoning gives this dish its signature kick. Measure it out carefully. Another mistake is not tasting before serving. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper. This ensures the dish is flavorful. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering time. This step is vital for perfect rice. You can enhance flavors with simple tweaks. Adding a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, can also add depth. If you like heat, toss in some diced jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. A tablespoon or two can make a big difference. You could also add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice. Experiment with your favorite ingredients. Cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy the process and make it your own! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Use about 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it until brown before adding the rice. For a seafood twist, try scallops or fish fillets. Just ensure they cook through in the same time as shrimp. If you want a meat-free meal, leave out the shrimp. Add more vegetables instead. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach add great taste and texture. You can also use firm tofu for protein. Make sure to press and cube it before adding to the skillet. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like more heat, add cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, cut back on the seasoning. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish, too. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano enhance the taste, so don't be shy to mix them in! To store your leftover Cajun shrimp and rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you want to freeze Cajun shrimp and rice, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This makes for a quick and easy meal later! Cooking Cajun shrimp and rice takes about 35 minutes total. This time includes 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. Once you start, the shrimp and rice come together quickly. You sauté the veggies first, then add the rice and broth. After simmering, the shrimp cooks in just a few minutes. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! You can cook it completely and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool down before you put it away. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. This dish holds its flavor well, making it perfect for meal prep. Cajun shrimp and rice pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread: It soaks up the flavors. - Green salad: A fresh salad adds crunch. - Coleslaw: The creaminess balances the spice. - Corn on the cob: Sweet corn complements the dish. Feel free to mix and match sides to suit your taste! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for making Cajun shrimp and rice. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and shared flavor variations. You can store leftovers easily and even freeze them for later. In conclusion, you have the tools to cook a tasty dish. Enjoy exploring different flavors and making it your own. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Savor the deliciousness of this One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your table! With easy ingredients and quick steps, you can create a vibrant meal in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this one-pot recipe makes cleanup a breeze. Ready to spice up your dinner plans? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your taste buds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).

    Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the oil and spices. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.

          Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the shrimp and frozen peas. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4