One-Pan Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
A zesty one-pan dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp with fluffy rice and bell peppers for a colorful, quick dinner. This american-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, diced into 1/2-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1, diced into 1/2-inch pieces yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2, sliced thin green onions
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb medium shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper, sauté for 4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with oil and vegetables for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove the lid, nestle the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice, cover again and cook for 5 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan 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 One-Pan 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan 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 One-Pan 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 One-Pan Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?
American 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.
