Pin it
This skillet dinner has become my secret weapon for busy nights. Every time I make it the kitchen fills with those amazing Cajun aromas and my family comes running. It's pure comfort in a pan ready in just 30 minutes with the most succulent shrimp and perfectly seasoned rice.
What Makes This Recipe Special
After trying countless one pot meals this one truly shines. The way the rice soaks up all those buttery Cajun flavors while the shrimp stays perfectly tender is just magical. Plus cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan my kind of weeknight dinner.
Pin it
Everything You'll Need
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and flavor.
- Rice: Long-grain rice works perfectly to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and spices.
- Butter: Adds a creamy richness to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the rice's flavor while keeping it moist.
- Cajun seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper provides bold, smoky flavors.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness for garnish.
Let's Get Cooking
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, cracked black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Rice
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, half the Cajun seasoning, and rice. Stir to coat the rice evenly before adding chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Season the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning and melted butter in a bowl or bag until fully coated.
- Add Shrimp to Rice
- At the 15-minute mark, place the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish and Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
My Seasoning Secrets
Making your own Cajun seasoning is such a game changer. I mix up big batches to keep in my pantry. The beauty is you can adjust the heat to your liking. Start with less cayenne you can always add more but you can't take it away.
Pin it
Perfect Shrimp Every Time
I've learned to watch those shrimp like a hawk they cook so quickly. Once they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape they're done. Trust me overcooked rubbery shrimp is not what we're after here.
Mix It Up Your Way
Some nights I toss in bell peppers or tomatoes for extra color and flavor. My husband loves it when I add spicy andouille sausage. The recipe is so forgiving you can really make it your own with whatever you have on hand.
Pin it
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If we have any leftovers they never last long. Store them in the fridge for up to three days and just add a splash of broth when reheating. The flavors actually get even better the next day.
Complete Your Meal
We love serving this with warm crusty bread to soak up all those amazing flavors. A simple green salad on the side keeps things light. On special occasions I'll make some traditional cornbread it's heavenly with the spicy cajun sauce.
Why This Works So Well
One pot meals like this are pure gold on busy days. Everything cooks together so each bite has all those wonderful flavors. Plus who doesn't love having just one pan to wash at the end of dinner?
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy is this dish?
- Moderately spicy from cayenne and red pepper flakes. Adjust spices down for milder flavor or up for more heat.
- → Can I use cooked shrimp?
- Raw shrimp works best. If using pre-cooked, add at very end just to heat through to avoid tough texture.
- → Can I use brown rice?
- Brown rice needs longer cooking time and more liquid. Best to stick with white rice for this quick recipe.
- → Can I make my own Cajun seasoning?
- Recipe includes easy homemade blend, but you can use store-bought Cajun seasoning if preferred.
Conclusion
A delicious and quick one-skillet meal that brings together succulent shrimp and perfectly seasoned rice. Using a homemade Cajun spice blend, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bold and flavorful dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.