I’m so excited to share this Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet with you today! It’s my go-to when I need something quick but still want to impress. The combination of plump shrimp, colorful peppers, and spicy Cajun seasoning creates a dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it takes less than 30 minutes). There’s something magical about how the butter melts into the rice, carrying all those bold flavors throughout every bite. Want to know my secret for getting the shrimp perfectly cooked every time?
Why You’ll Love this Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet
When you’re craving something that delivers big flavor without a kitchen full of dirty dishes, this Cajun shrimp and rice skillet has your name written all over it.
I’m talking about a one-pan wonder that combines plump shrimp, colorful peppers, and fluffy rice in a zesty Cajun sauce. What’s not to love?
The fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smokiness while the butter creates richness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing weekend dinner guests.
And can we talk about those beautiful colors? The vibrant orange and green peppers against pink shrimp—absolutely gorgeous on your table.
What Ingredients are in Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet?
Building this mouthwatering skillet dish starts with gathering the right ingredients. The beauty of this Cajun creation is how simple components transform into something truly spectacular when they come together in that sizzling pan. Fresh shrimp forms the protein backbone of our dish, while the holy trinity of Cajun cooking—onions, peppers, and garlic—provides that authentic Louisiana foundation.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ orange bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Black pepper
- Chopped scallions and parsley for garnish
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your shrimp matters quite a bit. Fresh is wonderful, but frozen works perfectly well too—just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. If you’re sensitive to heat, you might want to start with the lower end of the Cajun seasoning recommendation, as store-bought varieties can vary dramatically in spice level. And speaking of seasoning, check if your blend contains salt; if it does, you may not need to add any additional salt to the dish. The fire-roasted tomatoes aren’t just a fancy name—they truly add a depth that regular diced tomatoes can’t match, so try not to substitute if possible.
Make Ahead Tips for this Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet
Busy weeknights don’t have to mean compromising on flavor, and this Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet recipe becomes even more accessible when you tackle some of the prep work ahead of time.
- Prep the trinity in advance – Chop the onions, slice the bell peppers, and mince the garlic up to 2 days before cooking. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Having this flavor foundation ready to go cuts your active cooking time nearly in half when you’re ready to make the full recipe.
- Measure and mix your seasonings – Combine your Cajun seasoning with any additional spices you plan to use in a small container or ziplock bag. This tiny step saves surprising amounts of time when you’re cooking under pressure, and guarantees you won’t accidentally leave out any flavor components.
- Partially cook the rice base – You can prepare the rice portion of the recipe (everything before adding the shrimp) up to a day ahead. Just undercook the rice slightly (about 12 minutes instead of 15-18), cool completely, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the rice mixture with a splash of extra broth, then continue with placing the seasoned shrimp on top to finish cooking.
- Peel and devein shrimp beforehand – Clean and prepare your shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them well-covered in the refrigerator. Don’t season them until you’re ready to cook, though—the salt in the Cajun seasoning can draw out moisture and affect their texture if applied too far in advance.
How to Make this Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet
This one-skillet wonder combines the holy trinity of Cajun cooking with perfectly cooked rice and succulent shrimp. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with bold, layered flavors that’ll transport you straight to New Orleans.
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add 1 small chopped onion, half each of sliced green and orange bell peppers, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Let these aromatics work their magic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should become translucent but not browned—we’re building flavor, not color at this stage.
Next, stir in 1 cup of rinsed long grain rice, making sure every grain gets coated in that flavorful butter. Add 7 ounces of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and ¼ cup of vegetable broth, along with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (depending on your heat preference). Give everything a good stir, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is nearly tender.
While the rice is doing its thing, season 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. When the rice is almost done, arrange the shrimp on top of the rice in a single layer, cover again, and cook for about 5 more minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remember that vital 5-minute rest before serving—it allows the rice to fluff up beautifully and the flavors to settle into harmony. Just before bringing it to the table, garnish with fresh chopped scallions and parsley for that perfect pop of color and freshness. Can you think of a better way to get dinner on the table with minimal cleanup?
Using premium cast iron cookware ensures even heat distribution and superior heat retention, making it ideal for this flavorful one-pot meal.
Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe is a knockout, let’s explore some ways to switch things up when your pantry tells a different story.
No shrimp? Chicken thighs or andouille sausage work beautifully here.
Brown rice can replace white—just add 10 minutes to cooking time.
Smoked paprika and cayenne make a decent Cajun seasoning substitute in a pinch.
For a lower-carb version, I’m partial to cauliflower rice.
Simply reduce the liquid and cooking time.
Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Trust me, your taste buds won’t complain about that rich finish.
What to Serve with Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet
Although this one-pan wonder stands perfectly on its own, pairing it with the right sides can transform your meal from great to unforgettable.
I love serving a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the spicy Cajun flavors. The cool crispness? Just what you need.
Crusty French bread or buttery cornbread makes an ideal companion for sopping up that delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop.
For a truly Southern experience, add collard greens or okra on the side.
Feeling fancy? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully.
Leftovers and Storage for this Sizzling Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet
Fortunately, the leftover potential for this Cajun shrimp and rice skillet is absolutely phenomenal.
I recommend storing any extras in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two lunch possibly even tastier than the original dinner.
To reheat, just add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to prevent the rice from drying out.
For best results, warm it gently at 70% power, stirring halfway through. Freezing works too, but the shrimp’s texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun shrimp and rice skillet has become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
There’s something magical about how the spicy Cajun seasoning infuses every grain of rice while the shrimp stays tender and succulent.
I love how versatile it is, too.
Don’t have orange bell pepper? Green works just fine on its own.
Feeding a crowd? Simply double the recipe and use your largest skillet.
What I appreciate most is how this dish brings bold Louisiana flavors to my table in under 30 minutes.
Comfort food with a kick, indeed.
For those who enjoy slow-cooked meals, consider trying a slow cooker pot roast that produces tender meat with rich, savory gravy.