Cajun-Style Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet

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

Succulent shrimp seared with a smoky spice blend and colorful bell peppers, served over fluffy rice. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 27 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup sliced onion and 1 cup sliced bell peppers; cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced zucchini and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until vegetables release moisture.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 1/4 cup chicken broth; simmer for 2 minutes until broth reduces slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Style Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Style Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet?

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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Style Shrimp and Vegetable 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-Style Shrimp and Vegetable 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-Style Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet?

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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