This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is one of those dishes I turn to when I need a complete meal but don’t feel like juggling multiple pots and pans. It’s all done in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
Shrimp has always reminded me of summers at the beach. Growing up, my family never missed a chance to order shrimp platters at seaside restaurants. It was always fresh, flavorful, and felt like a treat. Now, making this skillet at home brings back those memories—except here, the shrimp gets tossed with Cajun seasoning and cooked right alongside fluffy rice for a meal that’s hearty, quick, and full of flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish checks so many boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. The Cajun seasoning brings just enough warmth without overpowering the shrimp, and the rice soaks up all those spices and buttery juices.
It’s the kind of meal you can put on the table in 30 minutes and feel proud of—whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the kids or a Saturday night “let’s stay in” meal. Plus, there’s something satisfying about serving dinner straight from the skillet. It feels rustic, cozy, and welcoming.
What You’ll Need
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Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. I like medium or large shrimp for this dish—they cook fast but still feel hearty.
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Rice: Long-grain white rice works best. It stays fluffy while soaking up the seasoning.
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Butter & Garlic: The base that makes everything smell incredible while it cooks.
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Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth to the rice.
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Cajun Seasoning: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. You can make your own or use store-bought.
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Parsley: For a fresh pop of green at the end.
How I Cook It
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Season the rice: Melt butter in the skillet, stir in garlic, half the Cajun seasoning, and rice. I always make sure the rice is coated in the butter and spices—it gives every bite flavor.
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Cook the rice: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until nearly done.
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Season the shrimp: Toss shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning and a little melted butter. I often do this in a zip-top bag for easy cleanup.
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Add shrimp to rice: Halfway through the rice cooking, nestle the shrimp on top, cover, and let it steam until pink and cooked through.
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Finish and serve: Sprinkle parsley on top and serve straight from the skillet.
The aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen before you’ve even set the table.
Tips and Variations
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Make it spicy or mild: Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes depending on your preference. I often go lighter when cooking for kids and heavier when it’s just adults.
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Try different proteins: This method works beautifully with chicken or sausage. Sometimes I even add sliced andouille sausage for a heartier dish.
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Swap the rice: If you prefer brown rice, keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so adjust the timing.
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Veggie boost: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be stirred in for extra color and nutrition.
Storing and Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheat: A skillet with a splash of broth or water brings the rice back to life better than the microwave.
FAQs About Cajun Shrimp and Rice
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them fully before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
Is Cajun seasoning always spicy?
Not necessarily. It’s bold and flavorful, but you can control the heat by adjusting the cayenne and red pepper flakes.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Pre-cooked shrimp tends to overcook quickly and turn rubbery. Raw shrimp is best for this recipe.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Short-grain or sticky rice won’t give you the same result.
Can I make this ahead?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the Cajun spice mix and peel the shrimp in advance to save time.
Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is a one-pan dinner dream—juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and bold Cajun spices all come together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ⅓ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ⅔ cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Cajun Seasoning Mix:
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, cracked
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian herb blend/Herbes de Provence)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, half of the Cajun seasoning, and the uncooked rice. Stir until the rice is coated and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- Meanwhile, toss the shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the rest of the Cajun seasoning until well coated.
- Once the rice is nearly tender, stir in the seasoned shrimp. Cover and cook for another 3–5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 324Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 273mgSodium 2098mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 29g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet has become one of my favorite weeknight meals. It’s bold, comforting, and comes together in one pan without much fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to the table and makes dinnertime feel special.
