Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

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

A quick and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp served over fluffy rice. This american southern-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, long grain white rice, chicken broth 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium yellow onion and 1 medium green bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces; mince 3 garlic cloves finely.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice, coating the grains in oil and vegetables for 1 minute.
  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, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: When rice is cooked, nestle the seasoned shrimp over the rice, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Half-Hour Cajun Shrimp and Rice 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 long grain white rice from drying out.

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

American Southern 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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