Name: Bold Cajun Shrimp Skillet: 30 Minute Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Savor the Bold Flavors of a Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Hello, food lovers! I’m Lina Kohn, and I’m so excited to share this amazing Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet with you. Growing up in Italy, my kitchen was always filled with wonderful aromas. My grandmother’s cooking was pure magic. It taught me that simple ingredients can create incredible meals. This skillet recipe is a weeknight wonder. It’s packed with bold Cajun spices. You get tender shrimp and fluffy rice. It’s a quick, flavorful dish. It truly brings a taste of adventure to your table. I know you’ll adore it.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

This dish is a weeknight hero. It’s incredibly fast to make. Cleanup is a breeze too. You get a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for busy evenings. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Quick preparation and cooking.
One-pan ease for less mess.
Bold, satisfying Cajun taste.
A hearty meal for any night.

Lina’s Kitchen: A Touch of Italy in Every Bite

My culinary journey started in my grandmother’s kitchen. That’s where I learned the heart of cooking. It’s about love and fresh ingredients. While this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet isn’t Italian, it embodies my philosophy. I believe in creating delicious memories. I love exploring global flavors. My Italian heritage inspires my approach. It’s about passion and sharing joy. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of that warmth into your home. It’s a testament to good food and good company.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

To create this flavor-packed meal, let’s gather everything you’ll need. You’ll start with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This is for sautéing our aromatics. Then, we need 1 pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. We’ll also use 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Two bell peppers, any color you like, should be diced. Don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced for that essential fragrance. Grab a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained. This adds moisture and acidity. For the liquid base, you’ll need 1 cup of chicken broth. Low-sodium is great here. You also need 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. This will absorb all those delicious flavors. For the signature taste, have 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning ready. You can adjust this later. Also, get 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. It adds a lovely depth. Finally, have salt and freshly ground black pepper on hand. And for a fresh finish, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Cajun seasoning is the star here. Its spice level can vary greatly by brand. I like brands that offer a good balance. Feel free to add more or less to suit your taste. If you prefer it milder, start with just 1/2 teaspoon. For a real kick, go for 1.5 teaspoons. Chicken broth adds a nice savory base. But if you don’t have it, vegetable broth works beautifully. Want to mix things up protein-wise? Cooked chicken or a spicy sausage would be delicious alternatives to shrimp. Bell peppers add color and a slight sweetness. Red, yellow, or orange peppers are a bit sweeter than green ones. They all work wonderfully in this dish!

Crafting Your Delicious Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Let’s get cooking! First, heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. It should shimmer nicely. Add your shrimp. Cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side. You want them to turn pink. Don’t overcook them; they’ll cook more later. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. Now, add your chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook these until they’re nice and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll see them start to look tender. Stir in your minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, add the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked white rice. Stir everything well to combine. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Give it another good stir. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re waiting for the rice to cook and all the liquid to be absorbed. Check it by gently lifting the lid. Make sure the rice is tender. Finally, stir your cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Heat everything through for about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Every Time

To get the best results, don’t crowd the skillet when cooking shrimp. Cook them in batches if needed. This ensures they sear properly. For fluffy rice, avoid stirring too much once it’s simmering. This prevents it from getting mushy. If your rice seems dry before it’s cooked, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s still too wet, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking. Adjusting the Cajun seasoning is key. Taste as you go! This helps you nail that perfect spicy kick.

Equipment Needed for Your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

To make this fantastic Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. A large skillet is essential. It should have a lid for simmering the rice. You’ll also need a good chef’s knife and cutting board for prepping your veggies and shrimp. A measuring cup and spoons are important for accuracy. Finally, a spatula or wooden spoon will help you stir everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Got questions about this delicious skillet? I’m happy to help!

Can I make this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet milder or spicier? Absolutely! The best way to control the heat is by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s all about your preference!

What other vegetables can I add to this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet? Feel free to get creative! Frozen corn kernels or peas are wonderful additions. Just stir them in with the rice. Diced zucchini or okra would also work nicely. They add extra flavor and texture. For more vegetable ideas, check out this Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables recipe.

How long can I store leftovers of this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet? Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re usually good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet? Yes, you can. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to add a little more liquid and simmer for a longer time, perhaps an extra 10-15 minutes. Check the package directions for your brown rice. For a different grain option, consider trying Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry.

Approximate Nutritional Information for Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates. They can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 400
Sugar: Approximately 5g
Sodium: Approximately 800mg
Fat: Approximately 10g
Protein: Approximately 25g

Share Your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Creations!

I truly hope you love making and enjoying this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet as much as I do! Your cooking adventures are what make Gourmet Gusto so special. Did you try it? How did it turn out for you? I’d be thrilled to hear all about it. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you loved it, consider giving it a rating. And don’t forget to share photos of your delicious creation on social media. Tag us so we can see your amazing work!

Bold Cajun Shrimp Skillet: 30 Minute Dinner

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet recipe is a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender shrimp and fluffy rice seasoned with bold Cajun spices, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, uncooked rice, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cooked shrimp and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.