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One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 small bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup corn (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly crispy. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Cook the Rice:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  2. Toast the Spices and Rice: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the rice absorb the flavors.
  3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  4. Simmer the Rice: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Add Back the Shrimp: Once the rice is fully cooked, return the shrimp to the pot. Stir gently to combine and let everything heat through for 2 minutes.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

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