Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Meal – Fewer dishes, easier cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor – A blend of Cajun spices gives this dish a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy kick.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ⅔ cups chicken broth
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cajun seasoning:
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian herb blend)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the Cajun seasoning.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, half of the Cajun seasoning, and rice, stirring to coat the rice in the butter and spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, toss the shrimp with the remaining butter and Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
- After 15 minutes, place the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and serve garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier – Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Add veggies – Bell peppers, tomatoes, or peas make a great addition.
- Swap the protein – Use chicken or sausage instead of shrimp for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before using.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
5. What can I serve with this Cajun shrimp and rice?
A side of steamed vegetables, cornbread, or a fresh salad pairs well.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving.
7. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked.
8. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but homemade allows you to control the spice level.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free.
10. Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, shredded Parmesan or cheddar can add extra richness.
Conclusion
This Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With bold spices, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Try it once, and it might just end up in your regular recipe rotation!
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a one-pot wonder that delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. Tender shrimp, perfectly seasoned rice, and a homemade Cajun spice blend come together for a smoky, slightly spicy, and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is customizable, and its quick cooking method makes cleanup a breeze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 ⅔ cups chicken broth
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian herb blend)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook rice: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and half of the Cajun seasoning, stirring to coat the rice in the butter and spices. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Prepare shrimp: Toss shrimp with the remaining butter and Cajun seasoning.
- Cook shrimp: After 15 minutes, place shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and serve garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding more cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or peas for extra flavor.
- Substitute chicken or sausage for shrimp if preferred.
