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- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 green bell pepper, finely 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 freshly ground black pepper to taste When I gather my ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet, I feel excitement. Fresh shrimp, tender rice, and vibrant veggies set the stage for a delicious meal. The shrimp brings a sweet, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices. The long-grain white rice absorbs all that tasty goodness, making each bite a delight. Onions and bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Corn makes the dish pop with color and a hint of sweetness. Chicken broth and heavy cream create a rich, creamy base that comforts the soul. The Cajun seasoning adds a warm, zesty kick, making this dish special. - Fresh parsley - Extra Cajun seasoning I love to finish my dish with fresh parsley. It adds a bright, fresh touch. A sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning gives it that extra flair. These garnishes not only look good but also enhance the flavors. Enjoying this dish is more than just eating; it is an experience. To start, peel and devein your shrimp. Hold the shrimp firmly and twist off the head. Use your fingers to pull off the shells. Make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water. Next, dice your vegetables. Take the onion and chop it finely. Then, dice the red and green bell peppers into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and adds color to your dish. Now, it's time to cook. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it is soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir in your diced bell peppers and corn. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The veggies should be tender and bright. Push the cooked veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the shrimp to the empty space. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done. Mix the shrimp with the veggies. Now, add uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir it well to mix with the shrimp and veggies. This ensures even cooking. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Raise the heat until it boils. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice should absorb the broth and become tender. When the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. This makes your dish creamy and rich. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the heat. Let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the dish thicken before serving. To keep shrimp from overcooking, watch the heat closely. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. After adding the rice and broth, reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all the flavors. Want to add more flavor? Try these ideas: - Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. - Toss in a few dashes of hot sauce for heat. - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. These tweaks can make your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet even better! To make your dish look amazing, serve it in shallow bowls. Top it with fresh chopped parsley for color. A light sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning adds a nice touch. Pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. This makes for a beautiful and tasty meal! {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or sausage. Chicken adds a mild taste. Cook it until golden brown before adding other ingredients. Sausage gives a nice, spicy kick. Slice it thin and brown it well for the best flavor. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. Want a vegetarian dish? Use tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp. For tofu, press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. If you choose chickpeas, use canned ones for ease. Drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet. Both options soak up flavor nicely. Love heat? Add extra spice to your dish. A dash of hot sauce can do wonders. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can make it as spicy as you like! To store leftovers, let the dish cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered to avoid drying out. This will help keep the shrimp and rice moist. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth and heat over low flame. Stir gently to keep the dish creamy. Enjoy the same great taste you had when it was freshly made! It takes about 40 minutes to make this dish. The prep time is around 10 minutes. Cooking the shrimp and rice takes about 30 minutes. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can use alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Each choice gives a different taste, so pick what you like best. To make it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning or use less spicy peppers. Adjust it to match your taste! This blog post covered how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize the dish with protein swaps or add heat. In the end, this recipe is simple and flexible. It's a great way to impress family and friends with minimal effort. Try it out, and enjoy a tasty meal!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Savor the bold flavors of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet that's perfect for a weeknight dinner! Made with succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce, this one-pan meal is both delicious and easy to prepare. In just 40 minutes, you can serve a filling dish your whole family will love. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight with this mouthwatering Cajun delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely 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 freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Add the minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, and corn to the skillet. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and vibrant.

      Create space on one side of the skillet by pushing the vegetables to the side. Add the shrimp to the cleared space. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper generously over the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through. Once done, mix the shrimp with the sautéed vegetables.

        Incorporate the uncooked rice into the skillet, ensuring it is evenly mixed with the shrimp and vegetables for even cooking.

          Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and is tender.

            After the rice is cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream until fully combined, allowing the mixture to become creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

              Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes to allow the dish to thicken slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: To enhance the visual appeal of the dish, serve it hot in shallow bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Cajun seasoning for color. Consider pairing it with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness!