Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet

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

A vibrant Cajun-inspired shrimp dish cooked in a single skillet with seasoned rice and bell peppers, celebrating the diverse heritage of the U.S. population. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs large shrimp, olive oil, cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice and cook for 1 minute to toast lightly, then add 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to warm through.
  6. Step 6: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

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-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet 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.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Southern American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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