Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion

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

Bold Cajun-seasoned shrimp cooked with sweet bell peppers and onions for a colorful, flavorful Whole30 dinner. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, bell peppers, sliced (red and yellow), medium yellow onion, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 230 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and 2 cups sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Push vegetables to one side of the skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then stir shrimp and vegetables together. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion 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-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion?

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-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion?

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 with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion 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-Spiced Shrimp with Sautéed Bell Pepper and Onion whole30?

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

Related recipes