Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Rice Skillet

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• for serving lemon wedges

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

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.