Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet Quick and Tasty Dinner

September 8, 2025 by Julie

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner that packs a punch? This Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet is your answer! With shrimp, rice, and fresh veggies all cooked in one pan, you’ll enjoy bold flavors without the hassle. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. Dive into my easy step-by-step guide and elevate your dinner game tonight!

Ingredients

For the Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, gather these essential items:

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup long-grain rice

– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavors of this dish. The shrimp bring protein, while the rice absorbs the broth and spices. Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Garlic enhances the flavor, and Cajun seasoning packs a punch. Smoked paprika adds depth, while cherry tomatoes and corn provide freshness. Don’t forget olive oil for cooking and seasoning with salt and pepper for balance. Fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Base

First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one medium onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Once they soften, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another minute until it smells good. Then, stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds. This step wakes up the flavors.

Cooking the Rice

Next, add one cup of long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and spices. Cook it for one more minute. Now, pour in two cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the tasty flavors.

Adding Shrimp and Vegetables

After 15 minutes, it’s time to mix in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of corn. Nestle one pound of large shrimp on top of the rice. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The shrimp should turn opaque and look pink when done. To check if the shrimp are cooked, cut one open. It should be white inside and firm. Enjoy your colorful, tasty Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dish

– For the best shrimp flavor, use Cajun seasoning. A blend of spices adds depth.

– Fluffy rice needs the right water. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice.

– Let the dish rest before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Do not overcook shrimp. They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.

– Allow enough time for simmering. This lets the rice absorb all the flavors.

– Taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning to suit your palate.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily change the proteins in this dish. Try chicken or sausage instead of shrimp. They add different flavors and textures. You can also switch the rice. Brown rice or jasmine rice works well. Each type gives a unique taste and feel.

For spice lovers, consider adding more heat. A dash of cayenne or chili powder can kick it up. You can also play with flavors. Try adding cumin or coriander for a twist. These swaps let you make this dish your own.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet pairs well with sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up flavors.

For sauces, try a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce. These can brighten the dish and add zing.

Garnishes can enhance the meal. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You might also sprinkle some green onions on top. These little touches make your plate pop.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cajun shrimp rice skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the cooled dish in the fridge right away. Try to eat it within three days for the best taste. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. This way, it will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat frozen leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your Cajun shrimp rice skillet lasts about three days. Look out for any strange smells or colors. If the shrimp looks dull or slimy, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t smell or look right, don’t eat it. This way, you can enjoy your meal safely!

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should curl into a C shape. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. For best results, cook them for about 5-7 minutes in the skillet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. This makes for a quick meal later on.

What other seasonings can I use instead of Cajun?

You can try Italian seasoning for a different flavor. Taco seasoning also works well for a fun twist. For more heat, use chili powder or paprika. Feel free to mix and match spices to suit your taste!

Is this Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! The ingredients used, like shrimp, rice, and vegetables, do not contain gluten. Always check labels on packaged items, like broth, to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding more vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly. This dish is flexible, so get creative!

This blog post covered how to make a delicious Cajun shrimp rice skillet. We discussed the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about storing leftovers and alternatives for proteins or spices.

In conclusion, cooking is fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can create a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

$For the Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, gather these essential items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavors of this dish. The shrimp bring protein, while the rice absorbs the broth and spices. Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Garlic enhances the flavor, and Cajun seasoning packs a punch. Smoked paprika adds depth, while cherry tomatoes and corn provide freshness. Don't forget olive oil for cooking and seasoning with salt and pepper for balance. Fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish. First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one medium onion and one diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Once they soften, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another minute until it smells good. Then, stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds. This step wakes up the flavors. Next, add one cup of long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and spices. Cook it for one more minute. Now, pour in two cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the tasty flavors. After 15 minutes, it's time to mix in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of corn. Nestle one pound of large shrimp on top of the rice. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The shrimp should turn opaque and look pink when done. To check if the shrimp are cooked, cut one open. It should be white inside and firm. Enjoy your colorful, tasty Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet! - For the best shrimp flavor, use Cajun seasoning. A blend of spices adds depth. - Fluffy rice needs the right water. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice. - Let the dish rest before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. - Do not overcook shrimp. They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. - Allow enough time for simmering. This lets the rice absorb all the flavors. - Taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. {{image_2}} You can easily change the proteins in this dish. Try chicken or sausage instead of shrimp. They add different flavors and textures. You can also switch the rice. Brown rice or jasmine rice works well. Each type gives a unique taste and feel. For spice lovers, consider adding more heat. A dash of cayenne or chili powder can kick it up. You can also play with flavors. Try adding cumin or coriander for a twist. These swaps let you make this dish your own. This skillet pairs well with sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up flavors. For sauces, try a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce. These can brighten the dish and add zing. Garnishes can enhance the meal. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You might also sprinkle some green onions on top. These little touches make your plate pop. To keep your Cajun shrimp rice skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the cooled dish in the fridge right away. Try to eat it within three days for the best taste. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. This way, it will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat frozen leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. In the fridge, your Cajun shrimp rice skillet lasts about three days. Look out for any strange smells or colors. If the shrimp looks dull or slimy, it's time to toss it. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t smell or look right, don’t eat it. This way, you can enjoy your meal safely! Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should curl into a C shape. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. For best results, cook them for about 5-7 minutes in the skillet. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. This makes for a quick meal later on. You can try Italian seasoning for a different flavor. Taco seasoning also works well for a fun twist. For more heat, use chili powder or paprika. Feel free to mix and match spices to suit your taste! Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! The ingredients used, like shrimp, rice, and vegetables, do not contain gluten. Always check labels on packaged items, like broth, to ensure they are gluten-free. Absolutely! Adding more vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them small so they cook evenly. This dish is flexible, so get creative! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Cajun shrimp rice skillet. We discussed the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. You learned about storing leftovers and alternatives for proteins or spices. In conclusion, cooking is fun and rewarding. With these steps, you can create a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!$