Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 p.m., wondering what on earth you can pull together that’s fast, satisfying, and doesn’t require a mountain of dishes? You’re not alone. That’s exactly why this Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet is my go-to lifesaver. It’s a complete, flavor-packed meal that comes together in one pan, meaning more time at the table and less time scrubbing pots. Honestly, it’s the kind of hearty, vibrant dish that makes you feel like you really nailed it, even on the most chaotic of weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is the whole package. It’s got that smoky, slightly spicy Cajun kick we all crave, but it’s balanced beautifully by the sweet corn and tender shrimp. And the best part? It’s a true one-pan wonder. Everything from the rice to the veggies cooks together, soaking up all those incredible spices. You get a complete, healthy-ish dinner with minimal cleanup. So, so good. It’s a meal that feels a little special but is absolutely approachable for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of our show!
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: For that signature smoky heat.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté everything to perfection.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base.
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced: For crunch and a pop of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a skillet dish without garlic?
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: The foundation that soaks up all the flavor.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds juicy acidity and liquid for the rice.
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Helps cook the rice to fluffy perfection.
• 1 cup frozen corn: For a sweet, cheerful crunch.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors sing.
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish: A fresh finish that makes it pretty.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. First, let’s get our shrimp ready. Pat them dry with a paper towel and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. This gives them a head start on flavor.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for just about 1-2 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. You don’t need to cook them all the way through yet! Scoop them out onto a clean plate and set them aside.
3. In that same skillet, you’ll have all those delicious shrimp bits. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
4. Now, stir in the dry rice and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Toast it all together for a minute. This little step makes the rice taste incredible.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices!) and the broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring it to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. Don’t peek! Let the rice do its thing.
6. After 15 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If it needs another minute or two, go for it. Then, stir in the frozen corn and those partially cooked shrimp. Cover it again and let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp will finish cooking perfectly without getting tough.
7. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Fluff it all up with a fork, season with salt and pepper to your taste, and garnish with a generous handful of fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Dinner is served!

Easy Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a boost of greens, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end with the shrimp and corn—it’ll wilt perfectly. Not a shrimp fan? Diced chicken breast or even andouille-style smoked turkey sausage are fantastic swaps; just brown them first like you did the shrimp. If you’re watching carbs, cauliflower rice is a great option—add it in with the corn at the end since it doesn’t need to cook long. And if you’re really sensitive to heat, use a mild Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, and a tiny pinch of cayenne.

Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights

This entire dish is one of my top easy weeknight dinners, but a little prep can make it even faster. On a quieter Sunday, chop your onions and bell peppers and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also mix up your Cajun seasoning blend ahead of time. Having those components ready to go means you can be about 10 minutes away from dinner instead of 30. It’s a total game-changer for those nights when everyone is hungry and patience is thin.

Perfect Pairings for Cajun Shrimp

This skillet meal is pretty hearty on its own, but a simple side can really round it out. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For something a bit more comforting, a slice of warm, buttery cornbread is just heavenly. And if you’ve got little ones (or adults!) who find the spice level a bit much, a big dollop of cool, creamy coleslaw on the side is the perfect soothing counterpoint.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers? They might be even better the next day! Let the skillet cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, the microwave is fine in a pinch, but for the best results, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of broth or water. This helps keep the rice from drying out and makes it taste freshly made. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the shrimp can become a bit rubbery when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Thaw them completely in the fridge overnight first, and be sure to pat them very dry before seasoning. This helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming in the pan.
• My rice is still hard. What happened? This usually means the liquid was absorbed too quickly. Next time, make sure your skillet is covered tightly and the heat is nice and low. If it happens, just add a 1/4 cup of warm broth, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Is this dish spicy? It has a kick, but it’s not overwhelming. The level of heat totally depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. For a milder family-friendly dinner, look for a salt-free blend labeled “mild” so you can control the salt and spice separately.
• What other easy meals work with this method? The one-skillet method is perfect for so many quick dinner ideas! You can use the same technique with diced chicken, smoked turkey sausage, or even a can of drained and rinsed black beans for a vegetarian twist.