One-Pan Cajun Shrimp and Rice (Easy & Flavor-Packed Dinner)

Spicy, smoky shrimp paired with fluffy rice — all cooked together in one skillet for a no-fuss weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor.

Some dinners just bring the flavor. And this One-Pan Cajun Shrimp and Rice? It's one of those meals.

It’s bold, spicy (but not too hot!), and completely made in one skillet. The rice soaks up all the Cajun spices, the shrimp cook up juicy and tender, and the whole thing tastes like something you’d get from a little Southern kitchen — but it's totally doable on a Tuesday night in your own home.

This is a go-to for us when we want something a little different, a little exciting, but still healthy and simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• 2¼ cups chicken broth

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the shrimp:
   In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while prepping other ingredients.

2. Sauté veggies:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add rice and broth:
   Stir in the uncooked rice and let it toast for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

4. Add shrimp:
   After 15 minutes, uncover and place the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice. Cover again and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through and rice is tender.

5. Finish and serve:
   Squeeze lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot!

Sarah’s Tips:

• Spice level: You can leave out the cayenne if you’re cooking for kids or prefer it mild.

• Rice swap: Brown rice works too — just increase the cooking time and broth slightly.

• Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist.

Why You’ll Love It:

This dinner is so satisfying — juicy shrimp, seasoned rice, and all that Cajun goodness in one easy skillet. It’s hearty without being heavy, full of flavor, and comes together without a sink full of dishes. That’s the kind of dinner we all need more of!

Nutrition (Per Serving, makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 390

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g