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To make a One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich and creamy flavor. The shrimp add protein and a nice texture. The rice serves as a great base, soaking up all the flavors. Cajun seasoning gives that warm, spicy kick. The cream makes it all smooth and delicious. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. When picking shrimp, look for ones that are fresh and firm. For the rice, long-grain works best here as it cooks evenly. Don’t forget the broth; it’s key for flavor. Use either chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference. Feel free to customize your ingredients. You can swap out the bell pepper for your favorite veggie or adjust the Cajun seasoning for more or less heat. Enjoy the cooking process and get ready for a tasty meal! - Sauté onion and bell pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook them for about five minutes until they soften. This step builds a great base for your dish. - Cook garlic and add shrimp Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The garlic adds a lovely aroma. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, which takes about three to four minutes. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. - Toast rice in skillet In the same skillet, add uncooked rice. Toast it for about two minutes. Stir often to prevent burning. This step gives the rice a delicious nutty flavor. - Combine broth and cook rice Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender. - Stir in cream and peas Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Mix well to combine. The cream adds richness and makes the dish creamy. - Return shrimp and season Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold it into the creamy rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook together for an extra two to three minutes to heat through. Enjoy your One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, a dish full of flavor! - Ensuring shrimp don't overcook Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Remove them when they are just done. Overcooking makes them tough. - Best type of rice for this dish Use long-grain rice. It cooks well and stays fluffy. Jasmine or basmati rice also works great in this recipe. - Adjusting spice levels Start with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Taste it as you cook. If you want more heat, add more. - Adding lemon zest or juice A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Zest adds a fresh flavor too. Add it right before serving for the best taste. - Incorporating additional vegetables Try adding diced zucchini or spinach. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can mix them in when you add the peas. - Using different types of seafood Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. You can also use a mix of seafood. Just adjust cooking time as needed. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Tofu also makes a great plant-based option. For a gluten-free choice, use rice that fits your needs. Look for brands that say "gluten-free" clearly on the package. If you want a dairy-free dish, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a rich flavor while keeping it light. Try different brands of Cajun seasoning to find your favorite. Each brand has a unique taste and kick. You can also make your own Cajun spice blend. Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Adjust the spices to your liking. This homemade blend gives you full control over the flavor. To keep your One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet fresh, use airtight food storage containers. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. For the best reheating results, use a skillet or microwave. If you choose the skillet, add a splash of broth or water. This helps keep the rice moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. If using a microwave, cover your dish loosely with a lid or paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps the heat spread evenly. To prevent the rice from drying out, add a few drops of water before reheating. This will keep your dish creamy and delicious. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and rice as directed. Let them cool before storing in a container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a C shape. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes in the skillet. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. It's best to remove them from the skillet as soon as they are done. Serve the dish warm, right from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can add a wedge of lemon on the side for extra flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy the bold flavors with family or friends! This blog covered how to make a delicious One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember, adjusting spices and exploring variations can make this dish your own. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat wisely. Enjoy the ease of this one-pan meal, and let its flavors bring joy to your table. Cooking can be fun and simple!

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the delicious flavors of this One-Pan Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet! This easy recipe features juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich creamy sauce that's bursting with Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes with minimal cleanup. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

          Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

            Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas into the cooked rice, mixing well to combine.

              Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, folding it gently into the creamy rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

                  Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4