One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Delight

August 24, 2025 by Nora

Craving a dish that’s packed with flavor and quick to make? Look no further! My One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Delight is your answer. With just a handful of easy ingredients, you’ll whip up a delicious meal in no time. Imagine tender shrimp and creamy rice seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cooking Essentials

2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

Chopped green onions for garnish

I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They really enhance the flavors in this dish. Start with one pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and keeps the dish clean. Next, grab one cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. The rice will soak up all the yummy flavors.

You will also need a medium onion, diced to add sweetness. Three cloves of minced garlic bring depth. One bell pepper, either red or green, adds color and crunch. I prefer red for its sweetness, but green works great too. Don’t forget the cherry tomatoes! One cup of these, halved, adds freshness and a pop of color.

For cooking, you’ll need two cups of vegetable broth. This broth is the base for your rice. One cup of heavy cream creates a rich, creamy texture. Two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning are key for that bold flavor. A tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

To finish, top your dish with some chopped green onions. They add a nice crunch and a fresh taste. This combination of ingredients makes for a creamy, spicy, and delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet.
Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.

Start by pouring the olive oil into your pot. Let it warm up over medium heat. Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. You want to cook them until they soften. This step takes about five minutes. The smell will fill your kitchen and get you excited.

Cooking the Shrimp

Add minced garlic and shrimp, then season with Cajun seasoning.
Cook until shrimp turn pink.

Now, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it for about one minute. This helps release its flavor. Next, add the shrimp and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, which takes around three to four minutes. This is where the magic happens!

Cooking the Rice

Add uncooked rice and cook until slightly transparent.
Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until rice is tender.

Once the shrimp are done, take them out of the pot. Now, add uncooked rice. Cook it for one or two minutes until it looks slightly transparent. This step helps the rice absorb flavors. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about fifteen minutes. Check if the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Final Assembly

Stir in heavy cream and cherry tomatoes.
Return shrimp and vegetables to the pot, mix, and heat through.

It’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the heavy cream and halved cherry tomatoes. Return the shrimp and veggies to the pot. Mix everything well. Cook for another three to five minutes until it’s all heated through. The dish should look creamy and inviting. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dish

Best type of shrimp for this recipe

I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Fresh shrimp adds a sweet flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too. Just thaw it before cooking.

How to choose quality Cajun seasoning

Look for Cajun seasoning with bold spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. A good blend should have a nice kick but not be too hot. Read labels to avoid fillers. You can also make your own for a fresh taste.

Cooking Techniques

Tips for ensuring rice is perfectly cooked

Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps keep the rice fluffy. Make sure to follow the water ratio closely, using two cups of broth for one cup of rice.

How to achieve a creamy texture

To get that rich creaminess, add the heavy cream after the rice cooks. Stir it in gently to combine. Heat it through without boiling to keep it smooth. If you want it creamier, add a splash more cream or some cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Best sides to pair with One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Serve this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the flavors well. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon for brightness!

How to serve for family gatherings or meal prep

For gatherings, serve it in a large bowl for sharing. Garnish with green onions for color. For meal prep, pack servings in airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it great for quick lunches.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change up the seafood in this dish. Try scallops, chicken, or even sausage. Each option gives a new twist. If you prefer not to use heavy cream, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without the dairy.

Spice Level Adjustments

To make this dish friendlier for kids, use less Cajun seasoning. Start with just one tablespoon. You can also add some sugar to balance the heat. For spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce. This gives a nice kick.

Vegetarian Options

If you want a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp. Use mushrooms or firm tofu instead. Both options soak up flavor well. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach. This adds texture and color.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents smells from mixing. Store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about three days. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, use the stove or microwave. On the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the creaminess, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This helps restore the rich texture.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze this dish. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in the microwave. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare?

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare this dish. You can easily make it on a busy weeknight.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking for the best results.

Cooking and Serving

What should I do if the rice is undercooked?

If the rice is undercooked, add a bit more broth or water. Cover the pot and cook for a few more minutes. This will help the rice absorb the liquid and become tender.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners later.

Nutritional Info

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

You can make this recipe lighter by using low-fat cream or skipping the cream altogether. You can add more broth for creaminess without the calories.

What’s the calorie count per serving?

Each serving has roughly 600 calories. This may vary based on the exact ingredients you use.

This article guided you through making a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice. You learned essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your dish. We discussed variations to suit all tastes, from spice levels to vegetarian options. Storing and reheating leftovers keeps your meal fresh and tasty. With these insights, you can confidently make a flavorful meal that pleases any crowd. Enjoy your cooking and the smiles it brings!

$- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions for garnish I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They really enhance the flavors in this dish. Start with one pound of shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and keeps the dish clean. Next, grab one cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. The rice will soak up all the yummy flavors. You will also need a medium onion, diced to add sweetness. Three cloves of minced garlic bring depth. One bell pepper, either red or green, adds color and crunch. I prefer red for its sweetness, but green works great too. Don't forget the cherry tomatoes! One cup of these, halved, adds freshness and a pop of color. For cooking, you’ll need two cups of vegetable broth. This broth is the base for your rice. One cup of heavy cream creates a rich, creamy texture. Two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning are key for that bold flavor. A tablespoon of olive oil helps sauté the veggies. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. To finish, top your dish with some chopped green onions. They add a nice crunch and a fresh taste. This combination of ingredients makes for a creamy, spicy, and delightful meal! - Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet. - Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Start by pouring the olive oil into your pot. Let it warm up over medium heat. Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. You want to cook them until they soften. This step takes about five minutes. The smell will fill your kitchen and get you excited. - Add minced garlic and shrimp, then season with Cajun seasoning. - Cook until shrimp turn pink. Now, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it for about one minute. This helps release its flavor. Next, add the shrimp and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, which takes around three to four minutes. This is where the magic happens! - Add uncooked rice and cook until slightly transparent. - Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until rice is tender. Once the shrimp are done, take them out of the pot. Now, add uncooked rice. Cook it for one or two minutes until it looks slightly transparent. This step helps the rice absorb flavors. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about fifteen minutes. Check if the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. - Stir in heavy cream and cherry tomatoes. - Return shrimp and vegetables to the pot, mix, and heat through. It's time to bring everything together! Stir in the heavy cream and halved cherry tomatoes. Return the shrimp and veggies to the pot. Mix everything well. Cook for another three to five minutes until it's all heated through. The dish should look creamy and inviting. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Best type of shrimp for this recipe I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Fresh shrimp adds a sweet flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too. Just thaw it before cooking. - How to choose quality Cajun seasoning Look for Cajun seasoning with bold spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. A good blend should have a nice kick but not be too hot. Read labels to avoid fillers. You can also make your own for a fresh taste. - Tips for ensuring rice is perfectly cooked Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps keep the rice fluffy. Make sure to follow the water ratio closely, using two cups of broth for one cup of rice. - How to achieve a creamy texture To get that rich creaminess, add the heavy cream after the rice cooks. Stir it in gently to combine. Heat it through without boiling to keep it smooth. If you want it creamier, add a splash more cream or some cheese. - Best sides to pair with One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Serve this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the flavors well. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon for brightness! - How to serve for family gatherings or meal prep For gatherings, serve it in a large bowl for sharing. Garnish with green onions for color. For meal prep, pack servings in airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it great for quick lunches. {{image_2}} You can change up the seafood in this dish. Try scallops, chicken, or even sausage. Each option gives a new twist. If you prefer not to use heavy cream, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without the dairy. To make this dish friendlier for kids, use less Cajun seasoning. Start with just one tablespoon. You can also add some sugar to balance the heat. For spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce. This gives a nice kick. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the shrimp. Use mushrooms or firm tofu instead. Both options soak up flavor well. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach. This adds texture and color. To store leftovers, place the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents smells from mixing. Store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about three days. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture. When reheating, use the stove or microwave. On the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the creaminess, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This helps restore the rich texture. Yes, you can freeze this dish. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in the microwave. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. How long does it take to prepare? It takes about 30 minutes to prepare this dish. You can easily make it on a busy weeknight. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking for the best results. What should I do if the rice is undercooked? If the rice is undercooked, add a bit more broth or water. Cover the pot and cook for a few more minutes. This will help the rice absorb the liquid and become tender. Is this dish suitable for meal prepping? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners later. Is it possible to make this recipe lighter? You can make this recipe lighter by using low-fat cream or skipping the cream altogether. You can add more broth for creaminess without the calories. What’s the calorie count per serving? Each serving has roughly 600 calories. This may vary based on the exact ingredients you use. This article guided you through making a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice. You learned essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your dish. We discussed variations to suit all tastes, from spice levels to vegetarian options. Storing and reheating leftovers keeps your meal fresh and tasty. With these insights, you can confidently make a flavorful meal that pleases any crowd. Enjoy your cooking and the smiles it brings!$