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Cajun Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet Flavorful Dish

by on September 9, 2025
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If you crave a quick and tasty dinner, try this Cajun Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet. This dish combines bold flavors and simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights. You will enjoy tender shrimp and fluffy rice in a rich, buttery sauce. Ready to spice up your dinner? Let’s gather our ingredients and dive into this flavorful adventure!

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups - Knife and cutting board - Small pan (for shrimp) - Lemon juice for zest - Hot sauce for extra heat - Other herbs like thyme or oregano Start by gathering your veggies. You need one medium onion and one bell pepper. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for about three to four minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic. Stir it in and cook for about one minute. Garlic cooks fast! You want it to smell great but not burn. Now it's time for the rice. Add one cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir the rice well with the butter and veggies. This step toasts the rice for two minutes. It adds a nice flavor. Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all well. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes. Check the rice to make sure it is tender and has soaked up the broth. While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp. In another pan, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Season the shrimp with salt and a little more Cajun seasoning. Cook for two to three minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. When the rice is ready, add one cup of frozen peas and the cooked shrimp to the rice skillet. Toss everything together gently. Heat it through for another two minutes. This step warms the peas and combines all the flavors. To make great rice, start with rinsing it. Rinse the rice under cold water. This gets rid of extra starch. This step helps the rice stay fluffy. For this dish, use long-grain white rice. When cooking, use two cups of chicken broth for one cup of rice. This ratio gives you moist rice. Let the rice simmer covered for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it cooks. Trust the process, and your rice will turn out perfect. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you want less heat, cut down on cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch. You can always add more later. Taste as you go. This way, you can make it just right for you. If you love spice, double the cayenne for a kick. The balance of flavors is key. Make it your own! Sautéing is your friend in this dish. Use medium heat for the onions and peppers. This helps them soften nicely. For the shrimp, crank up the heat. Cook them quickly for a juicy bite. Don't overcrowd the pan. Give them space to cook evenly. Lastly, toss the shrimp and peas gently with the rice. This keeps everything intact and tasty. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen! {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the shrimp. Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead. These ingredients add a nice texture. You can also add tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich. If you love seafood, swap shrimp for scallops or crab. You can also use cooked lobster for a fancy touch. Just sauté these seafood types until they are warm. Each option brings its own unique taste to the dish. Feel free to change the veggies. You can use zucchini, corn, or asparagus. Spinach also works well when added at the end. Mixing in different vegetables can change the flavor and texture. Choose what you like best to make it your own. To keep your Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store it. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Place it in the fridge. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste. Reheat your skillet dish on the stove for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm up. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts for even warming. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze the Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet too. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly in the skillet. You can also run them under cold water until thawed. This method works well and saves time. If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can mix your own. Combine equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add some cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use Italian seasoning or taco seasoning as a quick substitute. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste. To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute. Look for options made from oils or nuts. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil in place of butter. This keeps the dish rich while removing dairy. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. This blog covers key steps for making a tasty shrimp dish. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to perfect your meal. You can try different variations, like vegetarian options or altering spices. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your dish later. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Experiment with techniques and make it your own!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup long-grain white rice

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

– 1 cup frozen peas

– 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

– Large skillet

– Wooden spoon

– Measuring cups

– Knife and cutting board

– Small pan (for shrimp)

Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor

– Lemon juice for zest

– Hot sauce for extra heat

– Other herbs like thyme or oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by gathering your veggies. You need one medium onion and one bell pepper. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for about three to four minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant.

Next, add three cloves of minced garlic. Stir it in and cook for about one minute. Garlic cooks fast! You want it to smell great but not burn.

Cooking the Rice

Now it’s time for the rice. Add one cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir the rice well with the butter and veggies. This step toasts the rice for two minutes. It adds a nice flavor.

Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all well.

Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes. Check the rice to make sure it is tender and has soaked up the broth.

Sautéing the Shrimp

While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp. In another pan, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Season the shrimp with salt and a little more Cajun seasoning. Cook for two to three minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked.

When the rice is ready, add one cup of frozen peas and the cooked shrimp to the rice skillet. Toss everything together gently. Heat it through for another two minutes. This step warms the peas and combines all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice

To make great rice, start with rinsing it. Rinse the rice under cold water. This gets rid of extra starch. This step helps the rice stay fluffy. For this dish, use long-grain white rice. When cooking, use two cups of chicken broth for one cup of rice. This ratio gives you moist rice. Let the rice simmer covered for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it cooks. Trust the process, and your rice will turn out perfect.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you want less heat, cut down on cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch. You can always add more later. Taste as you go. This way, you can make it just right for you. If you love spice, double the cayenne for a kick. The balance of flavors is key. Make it your own!

Recommended Cooking Techniques

Sautéing is your friend in this dish. Use medium heat for the onions and peppers. This helps them soften nicely. For the shrimp, crank up the heat. Cook them quickly for a juicy bite. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give them space to cook evenly. Lastly, toss the shrimp and peas gently with the rice. This keeps everything intact and tasty. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!

Variations

Vegetarian Options

You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the shrimp. Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead. These ingredients add a nice texture. You can also add tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich.

Alternate Types of Seafood

If you love seafood, swap shrimp for scallops or crab. You can also use cooked lobster for a fancy touch. Just sauté these seafood types until they are warm. Each option brings its own unique taste to the dish.

Different Vegetable Combinations

Feel free to change the veggies. You can use zucchini, corn, or asparagus. Spinach also works well when added at the end. Mixing in different vegetables can change the flavor and texture. Choose what you like best to make it your own.

Storage Info

How to Properly Store Leftovers

To keep your Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store it. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Place it in the fridge. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat your skillet dish on the stove for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm up. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts for even warming. Stir in between to avoid hot spots.

Freezing Tips for Future Meals

You can freeze the Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet too. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly in the skillet. You can also run them under cold water until thawed. This method works well and saves time.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix your own. Combine equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add some cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use Italian seasoning or taco seasoning as a quick substitute. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute. Look for options made from oils or nuts. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil in place of butter. This keeps the dish rich while removing dairy. Just follow the same steps in the recipe.

This blog covers key steps for making a tasty shrimp dish. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to perfect your meal. You can try different variations, like vegetarian options or altering spices. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your dish later. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Experiment with techniques and make it your own!

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups - Knife and cutting board - Small pan (for shrimp) - Lemon juice for zest - Hot sauce for extra heat - Other herbs like thyme or oregano Start by gathering your veggies. You need one medium onion and one bell pepper. Dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for about three to four minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic. Stir it in and cook for about one minute. Garlic cooks fast! You want it to smell great but not burn. Now it's time for the rice. Add one cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir the rice well with the butter and veggies. This step toasts the rice for two minutes. It adds a nice flavor. Then, pour in two cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all well. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes. Check the rice to make sure it is tender and has soaked up the broth. While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp. In another pan, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Season the shrimp with salt and a little more Cajun seasoning. Cook for two to three minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and be fully cooked. When the rice is ready, add one cup of frozen peas and the cooked shrimp to the rice skillet. Toss everything together gently. Heat it through for another two minutes. This step warms the peas and combines all the flavors. To make great rice, start with rinsing it. Rinse the rice under cold water. This gets rid of extra starch. This step helps the rice stay fluffy. For this dish, use long-grain white rice. When cooking, use two cups of chicken broth for one cup of rice. This ratio gives you moist rice. Let the rice simmer covered for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it cooks. Trust the process, and your rice will turn out perfect. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you want less heat, cut down on cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch. You can always add more later. Taste as you go. This way, you can make it just right for you. If you love spice, double the cayenne for a kick. The balance of flavors is key. Make it your own! Sautéing is your friend in this dish. Use medium heat for the onions and peppers. This helps them soften nicely. For the shrimp, crank up the heat. Cook them quickly for a juicy bite. Don't overcrowd the pan. Give them space to cook evenly. Lastly, toss the shrimp and peas gently with the rice. This keeps everything intact and tasty. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen! {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by skipping the shrimp. Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead. These ingredients add a nice texture. You can also add tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich. If you love seafood, swap shrimp for scallops or crab. You can also use cooked lobster for a fancy touch. Just sauté these seafood types until they are warm. Each option brings its own unique taste to the dish. Feel free to change the veggies. You can use zucchini, corn, or asparagus. Spinach also works well when added at the end. Mixing in different vegetables can change the flavor and texture. Choose what you like best to make it your own. To keep your Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store it. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Place it in the fridge. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste. Reheat your skillet dish on the stove for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help it warm up. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts for even warming. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze the Cajun butter shrimp rice skillet too. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly in the skillet. You can also run them under cold water until thawed. This method works well and saves time. If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can mix your own. Combine equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add some cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use Italian seasoning or taco seasoning as a quick substitute. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste. To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute. Look for options made from oils or nuts. You can also use olive oil or coconut oil in place of butter. This keeps the dish rich while removing dairy. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. This blog covers key steps for making a tasty shrimp dish. We discussed ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to perfect your meal. You can try different variations, like vegetarian options or altering spices. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your dish later. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Experiment with techniques and make it your own!

Cajun Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the delicious flavors of Cajun Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet with this easy recipe! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish featuring succulent shrimp, flavorful rice, and a medley of spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this one-pan recipe is sure to impress. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Click through to explore the full recipe and brighten your meal with a taste of the South!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup frozen peas

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the butter and vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast lightly.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

          Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

            In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and additional Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

              Once the rice is cooked, add the frozen peas and cooked shrimp into the rice skillet. Toss everything gently and let it heat through for another 2 minutes.

                Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

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