Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is the easy, flavor-packed weeknight hero you’ll crave again and again! A swirl of juicy, buttery shrimp and fluffy rice sizzle together in a single pan, tossed in a bold homemade Cajun seasoning that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s quick, comforting, and brings delicious Louisiana spirit straight to your kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create this colorful, aromatic skillet dinner! Each one is chosen for the way it adds depth or brings out the best in those succulent shrimp and that fluffy rice. It’s the balance of the seasoning, the richness of the butter, and the freshness of your shrimp that make this meal truly memorable.

• Uncooked long grain white rice: The backbone of the skillet—long grain rice stays fluffy and soaks up every drop of savory flavor.
• Chicken broth: Adds richness and gently seasons the rice as it cooks for full-bodied, savory grains in every bite.
• Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: The real stars; pick plump, fresh or thawed shrimp for juicy, tender results.
• Butter, melted (divided): The secret to that luxurious, luscious mouthfeel—use half for the rice and half for tossing the shrimp.
• Minced garlic: Pops with flavor and aroma; fresh garlic makes all the difference in this dish.
• Homemade Cajun seasoning: A magical blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes—make it fresh for the boldest, brightest Cajun flavor.
• Paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes: This homemade seasoning mix is what gives the dish its New Orleans personality!
• Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, herby finish and a pop of color.

Variations

This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is totally delicious as-is, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! With a few tweaks, you can adapt it for dietary needs, what you have on hand, or that extra flavor craving.

• Use Brown Rice: If you’d like a little extra fiber and nutty flavor, swap in brown rice—just keep in mind it’ll take a bit longer to cook and may need a splash more broth.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese right at the end for a rich, luscious finish.
• Veggie-Packed: Add chopped bell peppers, celery, or diced tomatoes for color, crunch, and even more Louisiana spirit.
• Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt in the seasoning and use low-sodium broth for a heart-healthier meal.
• Spice Swap: For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika, or up the heat with extra cayenne and red pepper flakes.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Mix Up Your Cajun Seasoning

Begin by whisking together all the spices for your homemade Cajun seasoning—you’ll want that paprika, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, oregano, and those peppery kicks all perfectly combined and ready to go. Doing this first means you can taste and tweak as you like, and infuse your kitchen with that classic Cajun aroma!

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Start Building Flavor

Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your minced garlic, half of that Cajun spice blend, and the uncooked rice. Stir it gently for a minute or two—the rice will glisten and the spices will get wonderfully fragrant, laying down a flavor-packed foundation for the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in Savory Broth

Pour in your chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice so nothing sticks. This is where the rice gets unbelievably savory and deeply seasoned—don’t peek too often or you’ll let out the precious steam!

Step 4: Season and Toss the Shrimp

While the rice is working its magic, combine your remaining melted butter and the rest of your Cajun spice blend. Toss your peeled, deveined shrimp in this buttery, spiced-up bath. Every shrimp gets coated with flavor and is ready for the skillet finale!

Step 5: Finish the Skillet

Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, gently nestle the shrimp into the skillet. Cover and let them cook for just 3–5 minutes—you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, thanks to the steam and spicy butter. Sprinkle with parsley if you love a fresh, herby touch and bring your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet straight to the table!

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and lovely freshness to your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet. You could also sprinkle with thin-sliced green onions or a squeeze of bright lemon juice for a zippy lift—the perfect finishing touch for a dinner that’s as pretty as it is irresistible.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed green beans, or even a hunk of warm crusty bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. If you’re feeling fancy, serve with a chilled glass of white wine for the ultimate relaxed feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, dish the skillet family-style right from the pan or serve it in individual shallow bowls for a bistro-inspired touch. You can even spoon it into hollowed bell peppers or stuff inside lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on dinner that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet keeps surprisingly well—simply scoop everything into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature first, so the shrimp stay tender and the rice doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet! Package portions in freezer-safe, airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture (the shrimp may lose a tiny bit of tenderness but still taste delicious).

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the rice. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover and zap in 30-second bursts to keep from overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something cozy, quick, and full of zesty personality, this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is pure weeknight magic! Let it spice up your dinner rotation—and don’t forget to share with friends and family, because this crowd-pleaser is always worth celebrating. Enjoy every bold, buttery spoonful!

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