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Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice is ready to eat in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight family dinners and a simply delicious shrimp and rice recipe! It’s so satisfying, easy-to-make, only requires a few ingredients, and full of cajun flavour; making it one of the best one pot meals everyone will enjoy! Serve for dinner, and perfect for leftover lunch the next day!
If you are looking for more easy and delicious cajun inspired recipes, then check out this Cajun Honey Butter Salmon, or this Cajun Garlic Butter Lobster Tails and you’ll definitely want to check out this Cajun Butter Steak Bites.
Table of Contents
- Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
- You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp & Rice Dish! Here’s Why…
- Check Out These Other One Pot Dinner Recipes
- What is Cajun Seasoning?
- How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- What Type of Rice to Use for Cajun Shrimp & Rice
- Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Cajun Rice Success Tips
- How to Know When Rice is Cooked
- Shrimp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- What Type of Shrimp to Buy
- How Do I Defrost Shrimp?
- How Long Does Defrosted Shrimp Last in the Refrigerator?
- Should You Devein Shrimp?
- What’s the Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?
- Should I Cook Shrimp with Tail On or Off?
- How to Know When Shrimp is Done Cooking?
- See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!
- Storage Instructions
- Reheating Instructions
- How to Prep Ahead
- What to Serve with Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
- Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Why This Recipe Works
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Looking for More Rice Recipes? Check these Out…
- Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice Recipe
- DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
- ARE YOU STILL HUNGRY?
Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
All hail one pot dinners! They are definitely my favourite kind of weeknight dish, full of flavour and delicious with minimal cleanup! This rice and shrimp recipe comes together in no time, about 30 minutes to be exact. Start by sautéing your shrimp and aromatics, then add rice, broth, season and voilà, you’re finished!
This recipe is one of our top trending recipes for over one year now, and it’s a popular one for all the right reasons. It’s like having your cake and eating it to, simply the best of all the worlds. If you’re a seafood lover, it has shrimp. A lover of a quick and easy dish, this is for you. Fan of Cajun flavours and all things yummy, you’re in for a great treat!
You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp & Rice Dish! Here’s Why…
- Family Friendly – this is a great dish even the pickiest of eaters will love with flavours the entire family will enjoy
- Make More than Enough – this is an excellent recipe for leftovers the next day as it’s the perfect dish to reheat
- Simple Ingredients and Easy to Make – less than 10 minutes of prep time!
- Versatile – easily tailor this dish to suit your taste by swapping protein such as andouille or smoky sausage, chicken etc.
- All Around 10/10 – easy prep, one pot, meal-in-one with easy cleanup
Check Out These Other One Pot Dinner Recipes
- One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
- One Pot Italian Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Tortellini
- Healthy Hearty Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. It perfect for adding good flavour to chicken, seafood, beef, pork and even veggies!
How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Make your own cajun seasoning by combining a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, chilli powder, and cayenne pepper to create the delicious blend.
What Type of Rice to Use for Cajun Shrimp & Rice
Use Parboiled Rice – it is recommended to use parboiled rice, as other rice grains may not yield the same results. Parboiling reduces the stickiness of rice (improves the texture) so it yields full and separate kernels once cooked. This is especially desirable in this dish.
Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
Cajun Shrimp
These cajun shrimp are insanely good, you’ll probably have to resist the urge of eating them all before the cajun rice is ready. It takes no time to prepare and even quicker to cook, making it a busy weeknight dinner fan favourite.
Raw Shrimp – this take
Cajun Seasoning – delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to make your own blend.
Onion Powder – this is dehydrated onion that has been ground into a powder and adds the perfect onion flavour.
Garlic Powder – use this generously in the place of fresh garlic as it adds great flavour.
Smoked Paprika – this is great for adding a beautiful colour to the shrimp as well as flavour.
Salt and Black Pepper – depending on your preference as well as whether or not your other seasoning have salt you may choose to omit, and is used to enhance flavour.
Olive Oil – this helps the dry spices to stick to the shrimp.
Cajun Rice
The name of this game is flavour, and this cajun rice definitely understands the assignment! It’s perfectly seasoned with bites of fresh garlic and onion, and pairs extremely well with the cajun shrimp!
Long Grain Parboiled Rice – this is rice that has been partially boiled in the husk and for best results, it is recommended you use this type of rice as other rice grains will yield varying results.
Butter – this is the fat used in this recipe to add flavour.
Onion – this adds another layer of flavour that compliments the cajun spice especially when sautéed with the garlic.
Garlic – you can never have enough garlic; this adds flavour that when combined with the onions is a aromatic delight.
Chicken Stock – this dish is all about flavour; using chicken stock instead of water makes your taste buds dance for joy.
Cajun Seasoning – delicious spicy flavourful blend of herbs and spices that usually consist of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and oregano. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to make your own blend.
Italian Seasoning – this is usually a herbaceous blend of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme.
Green Onions – used to add a light freshness as well as texture to the final dish; use as garnish
How to Make Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
This recipe is fairly easy to make, and comes together in no time making it perfect for busy weeknights and for those on the go. It’s made in one pot by first sautéing your shrimp, then remove and add your onions, garlic and rice. Once it has come to a simmer, place in oven to finish cooking then add back your shrimp and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven – to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Shrimp – with cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper; set aside.
3. Sauté Shrimp – Heat olive oil in a 10 inch skillet or deep pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and saute until cooked, about 2-5 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Remove and transfer to a plate; set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics – melt butter in skillet then add onions, sauté for 2-3 minutes then add garlic and continue to saute until fragrant and softened.
5. Add Broth & Rice – stir in chicken broth and rice. Season with cajun seasoning, italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for around 3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Cover and transfer to Oven – for about 12-15 minutes or until rice becomes tender to your liking. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes, stir in shrimp, garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Saute Shrimp First – once done cooking shrimp, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm until the end, then stir into rice aor place on top and serve.
Gather and Prepare all Ingredients – especially if you want to get dinner on the table quick, prep your ingredients before turning on the heat!
Use a Large Skillet/Pan – ensure you use a pan that is big enough to hold rice after it expands during the cooking process. If you use too small a pan and rice will not cook thoroughly and evenly.
Do Not Overcrowd the Skillet – when sauteing the shrimp, do not overcrowd the pan as this will create excess liquid and reduce the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy shrimp. For the best results, saute the shrimp in batches if needed.
Adjust amount of Broth or Stock – The amount of stock required varies depending on the rice used. Add more stock if rice grains are not cooked through to your desired tenderness and all liquid has been absorbed from the skillet. Keep in mind, the rice will continue to steam for approx. 10 minutes once it’s removed from heat.
Cajun Rice Success Tips
Rinse and Drain Rice Thoroughly – this is crucial to remove the extra starch from the rice so it doesn’t yield a sticky and mushy result. To rinse, place rice in a fine mesh strainer and thoroughly rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear.
If Liquid Evaporates Before Rice is Done – add additional liquid (water or broth) a tbsp at a time keeping in mind that the rice will continue to steam for 10 minutes once it’s removed from heat, so it doesn’t need to be 100% cooked once liquid is gone.
If Rice is Still Wet – the rice will continue to absorb the liquid while it is steaming. Allow the rice to sit uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to dry out, fluffing with a fork first.
How to Know When Rice is Cooked
If the rice is soft and fluffy it is fully cooked and ready to be served. You can taste test a few grains to ensure it is as well!
Shrimp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What Type of Shrimp to Buy
- Wild Caught Shrimp – look for medium or large wild caught shrimp as opposed to farm-raised for the best flavor and texture.
- Raw Deveined Shrimp – opt for raw (not precooked), peeled and deveined shrimp. This will save you loads of time, as the only prep you need is to defrost and season the shrimp.
- Frozen Shrimp – frozen shrimp is frozen shortly after it’s caught which means it’s frozen at peak freshness! It’s often more economical and quite easy to find. Also, shrimp behind the counter is typically frozen and thawed in most cases.
How Do I Defrost Shrimp?
Here are two options for how you can defrost shrimp:
- Refrigerate Overnight Method (Easy): one of the simplest ways to defrost shrimp is in your refrigerator overnight. Simply remove the desired amount of frozen shrimp, place in a covered bowl and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cold Water Method (Quick): the quickest way to defrost shrimp is to add the desired amount of shrimp to a large enough bowl, then fill the bowl with cold tap water and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, replace the water with new cold tap water and allow the shrimp to sit once again – repeat after 10 minutes if needed until fully thawed.
How Long Does Defrosted Shrimp Last in the Refrigerator?
After you have defrosted your shrimp, store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
Should You Devein Shrimp?
Deveining shrimp is when you remove the dark line you see on the backs of shrimp which is their digestive tract. Removing it is a matter of personal preference and choice as it is not harmful to ingest. However, it can have an unappealing look and taste (adds a gritty/sandy texture).
TSS Good to Know – larger shrimp often have grittier veins, which can have an unappealing texture and look.
What’s the Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?
It is highly recommended that you purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. However, in the event that you purchase shrimp that is not, follow these simple steps to get the job done:
- Pull Off Head and Legs – if applicable, pull off the head and the legs.
- Remove Shell – . remove, starting on the head end, the outer shell leaving the tail attached if desired.
- Remove and Discard Vein – locate the vein in the shrimp running along its back (also underneath – however this is optional) and make a shallow cut about 1/4 inch deep and use the tip of the knife to lift it out and discard.
- Rinse & Rest – rinse the shrimp and lay on a paper towel to dry until ready to use.
Should I Cook Shrimp with Tail On or Off?
You can cook shrimp with the tail on or off, depending on your personal preference. However, much like meat bones, the shell and tail of the shrimp contain much flavour which adds to the overall taste of the dish.
How to Know When Shrimp is Done Cooking?
Shrimp like most seafood cook fairly fast around 2-3 minutes per side, as opposed to other kinds of protein. There are two visual cues you can use to ensure you don’t overcook your shrimp – colour and shape.
Colour – when done, shrimp turn pink and opaque in colour with some pink and bright red accents as opposed to their translucent gray raw state. Remove the shrimp from the heat source once it is fully opaque without any gray left.
Shape – as shrimp cook, their muscle contract which cause them to curl this is the second indicator of doneness. Often it is said that perfectly cooked shrimp have “C” shape while over cooked shrimp have an “O” shape. However, most shrimp unless using jumbo shrimp can be perfectly cooked with a “C” shrimp as well. Once your shrimp begin to curl, they are usually done cooking.
See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!
Storage Instructions
To Store in Refrigerator – allow shrimp and rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To Freeze for Later – allow shrimp and rice cool completely and transfer to a freezer safe container, label and place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Instructions
This dish reheats well, so feel free to batch cook and make extra so you can enjoy leftovers for the next few days!
Reheat (Stovetop) – reheat over medium-low heat until warmed through to your liking. This is my recommended and favourite way to reheat.
Reheat (Microwave) – microwave for one minute, stir, then continue to heat in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
How to Prep Ahead
This is a great recipe to batch cook so you have enough for leftovers and meal prepping. You can divide into smaller portions, storing refrigerated once cooled in an airtight container for meal-prep throughout the week.
What to Serve with Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp & Rice
This is truly a one pot meal, meaning everything is prepared in one vessel whether a pot, wok, skillet, dutch oven etc. However if you are interested in adding a side to this recipe try these:
- Roasted or Steamed Veggies
- Veggie Foil Packets
- Garden Salad or Salad of your Choice
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Once removed from the oven and rice fluffed, add back your shrimp and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. This dish is best served warm so allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. You will definitely have everyone asking for seconds and thirds so this is the perfect meal to make for family and guests of all kinds.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Add Different Seafood – if you’re feeling like you want to add more seafood feel free to do so! Scallops, crayfish, prawns, mussels, clams work well in this dish.
- Include Veggies – add veggies that are more hearty and able to hold up during the cooking process i.e. carrots, zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower.
- Change the Protein – not a fan of seafood, none at home in the fridge/freezer? Swap the shrimp for chicken – breasts or thighs do well!
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick, Easy and Delicious – this recipe comes together so fast and yields great, big, bold flavour!
- Tested & Tried – this recipe has been shared over 10,000 times on various platforms for a reason – it’s worth the hype!
- Simple Ingredients – this recipes calls for ingredients you most likely already have on hand or is accessible to many, making it the sure win from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Butter is the fat used in this recipe to add flavour. I recommend using butter whether vegan/dairy-free butter, or regular butter in this recipe.
I recommend using parboiled rice, as other varieties may yield a different result if using the same ratio of other ingredients i.e. chicken stock listed in the recipe. However, if choosing a different grain of rice I would use long-grained basmati rice.
Most definitely!
The spice in this recipe comes from the cajun seasoning, which varies from brand to brand. This recipe will be as spicy as your cajun seasoning is.
Make your own homemade cajun seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme and omitting the chilli powder and cayenne pepper.
No, you can use water however this is a great way to add flavour to this recipe. I recommend using some sort of broth or stock whether chicken, veggie etc.
Looking for More Rice Recipes? Check these Out…
- Easy Jamaican Pigeon “Gungo” Peas and Rice
- Jamaican Rice and Peas
- Loaded Taco Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice & Fresh Pico
- W30 Mexican Cauli-Rice Burrito Bowl
- Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat & Peas (Rice & Peas Remix)
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Easy One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Equipment
- 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet or oven safe pan/skillet
Ingredients
Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt, more or less to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Cajun Rice
- 2 cups Long Grain Parboiled Rice, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 3 tbsp Butter, salted
- 1 small Onion, thinly sliced
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 3/4 cup Chicken Broth, or stock
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Green Onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season shrimp with cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper; set aside for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet or deep pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until cooked, about 2-5 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Remove and transfer to a plate; set aside.
- Melt butter in skillet then add onions, sauté for 2-3 minutes then add garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant and softened. Stir in chicken broth (or stock) and rice. Season with cajun seasoning, italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for around 3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium low and allow to simmer until most of the liquid has absorbed. Cover and transfer to preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until rice tender to your liking. Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes, stir in shrimp, garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Huge fan of one-pot meals! This was so easy and delicious. My husband took over at the stove for this one, and it came out marvelous. Great flavors and SUPER easy to make!
One pot meals are my fave as well! Thanks so the feedback – glad you loved it!
You had me at “one pot” and kept me with the flavor. Deep flavors, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Awesome meal.
Love to hear it! Thanks so much!
I’ve made this twice now just this week! It’s so quick, easy, and flavorful! I’ll probably make it again tomorrow! ๐
Yes!! You know a recipe is amazing when it’s in the rotation of weekly meals!!
Is the oven really necessary? Can it not just be cooked I. The pot on the stove? I read the recipe and putting it in the oven seems unnecessary
Hi Tiffany, you can definitely skip the oven if this is your preference. However, I recommend the oven as it allows the heat to be evenly distributed.
Who doesn’t love a delicious looking one pot dish to try! As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to try it as I’m a huge seafood fan. OMG I am so happy I did. As I eat shrimp every week, thanks for such a delicious recipe!
You and I both – so glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much for the review!!
I couldn’t believe that I was able to whip this up in just 30 minutes. So full of flavor and delicious. I think this will become part of our weekly lineup!
That’s one of the best parts – quick, easy and delicious!! Thanks Jessica!
This was the PERFECT weeknight dinner tonight! So easy to make and full of flavor. Thank you!
Love making this for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!! Glad you enjoyed the flavours!!
Most glorious one pot dinner i just made! Thank you for sharing this recipe! We loved it so so much and we’ll make it again!
Thanks so much for a beautiful review!! So glad you enjoyed!!
I made this shrimp last weekend for the family, and it is definitely one of our most favorite dishes now! So much flavor, so simple to make, and everybody just fell in love. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Love recipes that the whole family enjoys – so glad yours did!! Thanks so much Tamara!!
Yesss to everything about this dish! The flavour were on point, the shrimp was seasoned to perfect and it was so filling. Iโm adding this to my favorites!
It’s such a filling meal and so perfect for leftovers! Glad you enjoyed Jen!!
If you’re looking for a flavorful one-pot meal — this is it! I loved everything about this recipe. The shrimp were tender, and the rice was equally great. 5 stars!
Thank you so much for such a lovely review and the 5 stars Shanna!!
This dish was so good! Quick, easy, and super flavorful! We had this for dinner twice this week and loved it each time!
Love to hear that!! Thanks so much Britney – keep on enjoying it!!
This didn’t last long in my house. It’s a flavor bomb and really only took 30 minutes to make! Will be in our rotation going forward.
Hahah! Love this! Thanks so much for the review Jazz!!
This was absolutely delicious! Came together so quickly
Yes!! I love that about this recipe, so quick and easy!! Glad you enjoyed!!
This recipe was everything! I make it constantly for the family – thanks so much for sharing!
Sweet music to my ears! So glad you all enjoy! Thanks so much Maryanna!
Awesome recipe! Family loves it! Thanks!
Yess!! Thanks Jennifer!! So so glad to hear that!!
Without a doubt my FAVOURITE food blogger! Every recipe I try out is delicious and so easy. Bonusโฆmy three young kids love every The Seasoned Skillet creates. My favourite place to come and look for delicious and creative yet easy meals for my friends and family. Love Taneisha Morris and the seasoned skillet so much!!!!!
Jamila! This was so heartwarming to read – thank you so much!! Your support means everything to me, I truly appreciate you. Thank you so much!!
Your dishes are always a hit and this was no exception! So yummy ?
I’m so glad you enjoy Natalie!! Thank you so muchh!!
So quick an easy a hit
It sure is! Thanks so much Simone!!
This recipe is full of flavours & truly delicious. My family and I loved this dish. 5 Stars!
Thanks so much Darryl! I’ll cook for you anytime, you know it!
Calling all seafood lovers! This recipe is a must!
Thanks so much Kevin! It’s a must, definitely!!
So deliciously satisfying! Iโd give it 6 stars if I could!
6 Stars!! I’ll take it!! So glad you were satisfied and enjoyed!!
Legit my go-to recipe for busy weeknights! My family absolutely loves this recipe and it bursts with flavor. Iโm a huge lover of shrimp and the fact that this is a one pot meal, makes this one of my absolute faves! We keep it in heavy rotation around here!
Thank you so much Carita for such an amazing review!! One pot meals especially on busy weeknights are everything – so happy you and your family enjoyed!
I made this delicious recipe for a quick and easy dinner- my family DEVOURED IT! Thanks for the quick and easy meal idea.
Tried this recipe and by far the best quick and easy tasting meal! The entire family throughly enjoyed every bite!
Yayy!! Love hearing feedback just like this!! Thanks so much Camille, so thrilled you enjoyed!!
Two thumbs up!!! Absolutely love it.
Yay! Love to hear it! Thanks so much Mel!
I did this with chicken instead of shrimp and added brown sugar to the seasoning. So delicious! I love sweet and spicy!
I love these twists you made! I can imagine how great it tasted! Thanks so much for sharing Brenna and so happy you enjoyed!!