One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-29 · Updated 2026-07-29

A hearty one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp simmered in a spicy Cajun-seasoned tomato sauce with fluffy rice. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, long grain white rice, olive oil 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz diced tomatoes, canned
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• for serving lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced green bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices); stir to coat the rice in the spices.
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.
5. Step 5: Nestle 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp into the rice mixture, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.