Go Back
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this dish shine, gather these ingredients. The shrimp is the star of the show. Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. The long-grain rice provides a nice base. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a spicy kick and color. Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies and add richness. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all flavors. Chop the onion and bell pepper for sweetness. Minced garlic adds a lovely aroma. Chicken broth is key for cooking the rice. Heavy cream gives the dish its creamy texture. For a fresh finish, use green onions and parsley as garnishes. These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor and comfort. Each bite will transport you to a sunny bayou, making every meal special. Start by seasoning the shrimp. Use Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well in a bowl. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes. This step adds rich flavor to your dish. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them until softened, which takes about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This adds a nice aroma and depth of flavor to the dish. Now it’s time to toast the rice. Add it to the skillet with the veggies. Stir well to coat the rice in oil. Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes until it gets a little toasty. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the marinated shrimp. Cook this uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the shrimp to turn pink and be fully cooked. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy the creamy goodness! For my One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, I always recommend large shrimp. They offer a nice bite and hold their shape well during cooking. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works too. Just remember to thaw them before cooking. Toasting the rice is key to great flavor. When you add it to the skillet, stir it in with the veggies for a few minutes. This step brings out a nutty taste in the rice. It also helps the grains stay separate, so you get a nice texture in every bite. Garnishing your dish can elevate its look. I love using sliced green onions and chopped parsley. They add color and freshness. Just sprinkle them on just before serving. It makes the dish pop! When plating, use a large serving spoon. This way, you can scoop up the creamy rice and shrimp easily. Make sure to show off that creamy texture. A well-plated meal looks more inviting, and it tastes better too! Choosing the right skillet is important. A large, heavy skillet works best for even cooking. It helps the rice cook uniformly. I suggest a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup too. You’ll need a few essential tools. A sharp knife makes chopping veggies quick. A measuring cup is a must for rice and broth. A wooden spoon helps stir everything nicely. With the right tools, your cooking will go smoothly! {{image_2}} You can make this dish spicier. Just add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. This small change brings a kick to your meal. If you like it creamy but want less richness, try using less heavy cream. You can still keep the great taste while making it lighter. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can use chicken or sausage instead. Both options work well and add different flavors. For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or chickpeas. These choices keep your dish hearty and satisfying. You can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the time to around 30-40 minutes. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly, so add it in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. This way, your dish stays fresh and delicious. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Use it within three to four days for the best taste. To freeze One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to heat evenly. In the fridge, you can keep this dish for three to four days. In the freezer, it lasts for about three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or the texture changes, throw it away. Enjoy your meal safely! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them thaw evenly without cooking. Pat them dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp work well, but fresh shrimp taste better. If you want a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk is another great option. It adds a subtle flavor and keeps the dish creamy. Greek yogurt can also work, but add it at the end to avoid curdling. Each option offers a different taste but still keeps the dish rich. To ensure this dish is gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Also, check that the Cajun seasoning has no gluten. Most spices are gluten-free, but it’s wise to read labels. Using long-grain rice is a safe choice, as it’s naturally gluten-free. Enjoy your tasty, gluten-free meal! This post covered how to make a delicious One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet. We detailed key ingredients, from shrimp to spices, and provided clear steps to cook this dish. You also learned tips for perfecting the meal and different variations to suit your taste. Try this recipe for a satisfying dish. Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the flavor of this One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet! This delicious and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and creamy rice in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You'll love how quickly it comes together and the burst of southern flavors. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight! #CajunShrimp #OnePanMeals #EasyDinner #ShrimpRecipes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a bowl, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat with the oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly toasted.

          Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

            Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream and the marinated shrimp. Cook uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

              Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley, ensuring a colorful and fresh look. Use a large serving spoon to arrange it in bowls, allowing the creamy texture to shine!