One-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

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

A bold, one-pot meal with succulent shrimp simmered in a spicy tomato base with Cajun seasoning and fluffy white rice, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, 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 380 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 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium 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, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the spice mixture.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: After 15 minutes, lift the lid and nestle 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp evenly over the rice. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the rice is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley over the top before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy 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-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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-Pot Spicy 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-Pot Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

Caribbean 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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