Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp cooked with sautéed colorful bell peppers and onions for a bold, wholesome dinner. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, medium green bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make Cajun seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb medium shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Push vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Mix shrimp and vegetables together, sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning over the top, and stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun Pan-Seared Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Onions whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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