Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito

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

A one-pan dish with shrimp cooked in a vibrant Puerto Rican sofrito and tomato sauce served over seasoned white rice. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium shrimp, white rice, sofrito for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sofrito and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup white rice and stir to coat each grain in the sofrito sauce.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, season 1 lb shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a separate pan, sauté shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold cooked shrimp into the rice skillet, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito?

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 medium shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito?

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 Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito 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 Creole Shrimp and Rice Skillet with Sofrito?

Caribbean rice & grains 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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