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- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste In this dish, shrimp is the star. I prefer large, juicy shrimp. They cook fast and soak up flavors well. The rice acts as a base, making the meal filling. I like using long-grain white rice for its texture. Next, we add fresh vegetables. Diced onion brings sweetness. Minced garlic adds depth. The red and green bell peppers give color and crunch. Fresh or frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness. Cajun seasoning gives this dish its bold flavor. It blends spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Heavy cream finishes the dish, making it rich and creamy. - Fresh parsley - Extra Cajun seasoning - Crusty bread Garnishing is key for presentation. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. A sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor. Pairing with crusty bread makes it perfect for dipping. This dish is full of flavor and easy to make. Gather the ingredients, and let’s cook! First, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent and soft. Next, I stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and corn. I cook these for another 3-4 minutes until they get tender. The mix of colors and flavors is already exciting. Now, I push the veggies to one side of the skillet. On the other side, I add the peeled and deveined shrimp. I sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on top of the shrimp. I cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. When the shrimp turn pink, they are ready. I then mix everything together in the skillet. This step fills the kitchen with a lovely aroma. Next, I add the uncooked rice to the skillet. I stir it well with the shrimp and veggies. Then, I pour in the chicken broth. I bring it to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. I let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The rice will soak up all those great flavors and become tender. Once the rice is cooked, I stir in the heavy cream. This adds a rich creaminess to the dish. I mix thoroughly to combine everything. Finally, I adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. After removing it from heat, I let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly before serving. - Choosing the right Cajun seasoning: Pick a blend that suits your taste. A well-balanced mix will have herbs and spices like paprika, garlic, and cayenne. This mix gives the dish its bold flavor. - Adjusting spice level: If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning. For less spice, use less or choose a mild blend. Remember, you can always add more later! - Timing for perfectly cooked shrimp: Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so keep an eye on them. - Avoiding rubbery texture: Use fresh shrimp when possible. Frozen shrimp should be thawed properly. This prevents rubbery bites. - Ensuring tender rice: Use long-grain white rice for best results. Rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps keep the rice fluffy. - Avoiding mushy rice: Follow the broth-to-rice ratio closely. Too much liquid makes the rice mushy. Keep the lid on while it simmers, and don't stir too much. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken. Chicken thighs work well in this dish. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them until they are golden brown. Then add your veggies and follow the same steps. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian meal. Choose firm tofu to hold its shape. Press it to remove excess water, then cube it. Sauté it until golden, then mix it in with the veggies and seasonings. If you want to switch grains, brown rice is a good choice. It adds more fiber and has a nutty flavor. Just remember, it may take longer to cook than white rice. Quinoa is another healthy grain. It cooks faster and adds protein. Use a 1:1 ratio of quinoa to broth. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. Just add it toward the end to keep it from getting mushy. You can use different bell pepper colors to change the look and taste. Yellow or orange peppers add sweetness and a pop of color. Adding spinach or other greens boosts nutrition. Toss in a handful just before serving. They will wilt nicely without losing texture. You can also try kale or Swiss chard for extra flavor. You can keep Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps avoid soggy rice. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. This keeps the rice moist. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce well. For a wine choice, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc works great. Its crispness balances the spicy Cajun flavors perfectly. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp may also take a bit longer to cook. To add more heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add hot sauce. Red pepper flakes are another great choice. Start with a little and taste as you go. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream. Silken tofu blended with a bit of water works great too. The total time for this dish is about 40 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. This makes it a quick and tasty meal for any night. This recipe blends shrimp, rice, and veggies for a tasty dish. You learned to sauté, season, and mix to get the best Cajun flavor. Stick to the tips for perfect shrimp and rice. Remember, you can swap proteins and grains to fit your taste. Store leftovers well, so you can enjoy them later. Experiment with garnishes for added flair. Enjoy making this dish at home; it’s easy and rewarding!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the flavors of the South with this creamy Cajun shrimp rice skillet recipe! Packed with succulent shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce, this one-pan dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 40 minutes, enjoy a hearty meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to spice up your weeknight dinners? Click through for the full recipe and bring Cajun flair to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic, red and green bell peppers, and corn. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

      Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the other side. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Mix everything together in the skillet.

        Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the shrimp and vegetables.

          Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

            Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly until well combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for a pop of color. A side of crusty bread can complement the meal wonderfully!