One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice
A hearty one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp simmered in a spicy Cajun-seasoned tomato sauce with fluffy rice. This american-inspired seafood 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Spicy 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 long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice?
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.
