One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice
A spicy and savory one-pot dish combining juicy shrimp, bell peppers, and rice infused with smoky Cajun seasoning. This southern american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, peeled and deveined large shrimp, Cajun seasoning 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz (1 can), undrained diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning then add to the pan, cooking for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 small diced yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice and cook for 1 minute to toast the grains.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Return cooked shrimp to the pot, stirring gently to combine and warm through for 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice 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 One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice?
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 One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice?
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-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice 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-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice?
Southern 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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