Texan-Inspired Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

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

A one-pan Cajun shrimp and rice dish with bold spices and tender shrimp, inspired by the flavors of Texas and the Gulf Coast. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced bell pepper, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup long grain white rice and toast it in the skillet for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate pan, quickly sauté the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the rice mixture. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Texan-Inspired Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Texan-Inspired 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Texan-Inspired 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 Texan-Inspired 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 Texan-Inspired Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet?

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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