Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1½ pounds large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off; 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked); 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges (optional); Extra Cajun seasoning for sprinkling; Green onions, sliced (optional)

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Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal that brings the bold, spicy flavors of Louisiana straight to your dinner table. Tender, succulent shrimp swim in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with smoky Cajun spices, all served over perfectly cooked rice that soaks up every bit of that incredible sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss, date nights at home when you’re craving restaurant-quality food, meal prep sessions for the week ahead, or special occasions when you want to wow your guests with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish is that it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it actually comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish!

The creamy sauce strikes the perfect balance between rich and spicy, coating each grain of rice and every plump shrimp with layers of flavor. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth and complexity with notes of paprika, garlic, cayenne, and herbs, while the cream adds luxurious richness that mellows the heat just enough to keep it family-friendly (though you can certainly kick it up if you love spice!). Whether you’re a seafood lover, a Cajun cuisine enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a really good one-pot meal, this creamy Cajun shrimp and rice will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!

History / Background

Cajun cuisine is a beautiful, flavorful culinary tradition born in the Louisiana bayou, and it tells the story of the Acadian people who were exiled from Canada in the 18th century and settled in southern Louisiana. The Acadians, who became known as “Cajuns,” adapted their French cooking techniques to the ingredients available in their new homeland—abundant seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, rice from local paddies, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.

Traditional Cajun cooking is characterized by bold, robust flavors achieved through generous use of spices and the technique of building layers of flavor. Unlike its cousin Creole cuisine (which developed in New Orleans and tends to use tomatoes and be more refined), Cajun food is rustic, hearty, and deeply flavorful—the food of farmers, fishermen, and families making the most of what the land and water provided.

Shrimp has always been a cornerstone of Louisiana cooking, with the Gulf of Mexico providing an endless bounty of fresh seafood. Rice, introduced by African slaves and immigrants, became a staple crop in Louisiana’s wetlands and the perfect vehicle for soaking up rich, flavorful sauces and gravies. The combination of shrimp and rice appears throughout Cajun and Creole cooking—from jambalaya to étouffée to gumbo served over rice.

This particular dish—creamy Cajun shrimp and rice—represents a modern evolution of traditional Louisiana cooking. While classic Cajun dishes typically don’t use cream (that’s more of a Creole touch), contemporary home cooks have embraced the addition of heavy cream to create a rich, restaurant-style sauce that appeals to modern American palates. The result is a beautiful fusion that honors Cajun spice traditions while adding a luxurious creaminess that makes the dish irresistible.

Today, Cajun shrimp dishes have become wildly popular across America, appearing on restaurant menus from coast to coast and becoming a Pinterest sensation for home cooks seeking bold, exciting flavors. This recipe captures all that magic in one pot, making authentic Louisiana-inspired flavors accessible to anyone with a skillet and a love for good food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice isn’t just another dinner recipe—it’s a game-changer that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that impresses everyone at the table while keeping you stress-free in the kitchen.

Here’s why this recipe will become your new weeknight hero:

One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal
Ready in 30 Minutes – From start to finish, this complete meal comes together faster than ordering takeout
Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Tastes like an expensive dish from a Louisiana seafood restaurant but costs a fraction of the price
Bold & Flavorful – Packed with Cajun spices that create complex, exciting flavors in every bite
Crowd-Pleasing – The creamy sauce appeals even to those who think they don’t like spicy food (it’s more flavorful than fiery)
Budget-Friendly – Shrimp is affordable, and the other ingredients are simple pantry staples
Impressive Yet Easy – Looks and tastes fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a Tuesday
Naturally Gluten-Free – Perfect for those avoiding gluten (just verify your Cajun seasoning is certified GF)
Protein-Packed – Shrimp provides lean protein while keeping the dish light despite the creamy sauce
Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust the spice to suit your family’s preferences
Meal Prep Friendly – Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
Complete Meal – Rice and protein all in one dish means no need for complicated side dishes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down what makes this dish so incredibly delicious and talk about each key ingredient:

Shrimp – The star of the show! Use large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count or 16-20 count per pound) for the best texture and presentation. Peeled and deveined shrimp save tons of prep time. Fresh or frozen works equally well—just make sure frozen shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Wild-caught Gulf shrimp is ideal for authentic flavor, but any good-quality shrimp works beautifully.

Long-Grain White Rice – Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati stays fluffy and separate, soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce perfectly. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties for this recipe. The rice cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those incredible flavors.

Cajun Seasoning – This spice blend is the heart of the dish, typically containing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. You can use store-bought (Tony Chachere’s and Slap Ya Mama are popular brands) or make your own blend. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat—you can always add more!

Heavy Cream – Creates that luxurious, velvety sauce that coats everything perfectly. Heavy cream (also called heavy whipping cream) has the highest fat content and won’t curdle when simmered. Half-and-half can work in a pinch but may be thinner. For a lighter version, use half cream and half chicken broth.

Chicken Broth – Adds depth and savory richness while cooking the rice. Use good-quality, low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. Seafood stock can be substituted for even more oceanic flavor.

The Holy Trinity – Onion, bell pepper, and celery form the aromatic base of Cajun cooking. This trio is sautéed first to build foundational flavor. Use yellow or white onion, green bell pepper (traditional), and celery for authentic taste.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is essential! It adds pungent, aromatic depth that complements the Cajun spices. Don’t substitute with garlic powder here—fresh makes a noticeable difference.

Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control seasoning. The butter also helps sauté the vegetables and adds that restaurant-quality finish.

Tomato Paste – Just a tablespoon adds subtle depth, umami, and a hint of sweetness that balances the spices. It also gives the sauce a beautiful color.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds complex umami and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile. A small amount goes a long way.

Fresh Parsley – Garnish that adds freshness, color, and a slight peppery note that brightens the rich, creamy dish.

Optional Add-Ins: Diced tomatoes, sliced andouille sausage (for extra authenticity), or a splash of hot sauce for additional heat.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe:

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan (12-inch with lid) – Essential for cooking everything in one pot. Make sure it has high sides and comes with a tight-fitting lid for cooking the rice. Cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick all work well.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – For dicing vegetables and mincing garlic.
Cutting Board – For all your prep work.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring and scraping up flavorful bits from the pan bottom.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Colander or Strainer – If you need to rinse your rice (though it’s not always necessary).
Paper Towels – For patting shrimp dry before cooking.
Small Bowl – For setting aside cooked shrimp temporarily.
Kitchen Timer – To ensure rice cooks perfectly without overcooking.
Ladle or Large Spoon – For serving.

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Variations:

Lemon Garlic Twist: Add extra garlic (6-8 cloves) and finish with plenty of fresh lemon juice and zest
Spicy Cajun: Double the cayenne, add diced jalapeños with the vegetables, and finish with hot sauce
Creole Style: Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with the broth for a more tomato-based sauce
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon and add 6 cloves of garlic for a milder, butter-forward version
Smoky BBQ: Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for deep smoky notes

Protein Swaps:

Chicken: Use diced chicken breast or thighs instead of shrimp (cook longer, about 8-10 minutes)
Sausage: Slice andouille or smoked sausage and brown before adding vegetables
Combination: Use half shrimp, half sausage for the ultimate surf-and-turf version
Scallops: Substitute sea scallops for shrimp (same cooking time)
Crawfish: Use crawfish tails for authentic Louisiana flavor

Vegetable Additions:

Add corn kernels, peas, or diced tomatoes in the last 5 minutes
Stir in fresh baby spinach at the end for added nutrition
Include diced okra for traditional Cajun authenticity
Add mushrooms with the holy trinity for earthier flavor

Dietary Modifications:

Low-Carb/Keto: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add in last 5 minutes, don’t simmer)
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for rich, creamy results
Lighter Version: Use half cream, half broth, and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons total
Vegetarian: Omit shrimp and add chickpeas, white beans, or extra vegetables

Pro Chef Tips

1. Dry Shrimp = Better Sear: The single most important step for perfect shrimp is patting them bone-dry with paper towels. Any surface moisture creates steam instead of a beautiful sear, resulting in rubbery, pale shrimp instead of caramelized, flavorful ones.

2. Don’t Rinse Your Rice (Usually): Most American long-grain rice doesn’t need rinsing. The slight starch helps create a creamier sauce. However, if you’re using imported basmati or jasmine rice, a quick rinse removes excess starch and prevents gumminess.

3. Toast Your Rice: That 1-2 minutes of toasting rice in the butter and aromatics makes a huge difference. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps each grain cook up separate and fluffy rather than mushy.

4. Layer Your Seasonings: Season the shrimp separately before cooking, then add more Cajun seasoning to the sauce. This creates depth and ensures every component is properly seasoned, not just the sauce.

5. The No-Peek Rule: Once you cover the rice to simmer, resist lifting the lid! Every time you peek, you release steam that’s essential for cooking the rice properly. Trust the process and wait the full 15-18 minutes.

6. Scrape Up the Fond: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after sautéing the vegetables? That’s pure flavor gold called fond. When you add the liquid, scrape them up with your wooden spoon—they’ll dissolve into the sauce and add incredible depth.

7. Shrimp Cook Fast: Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in about 60 seconds. They’re done when they’ve just turned pink and opaque. If you see a C-shape, they’re perfect. If they curl into an O-shape, they’re overcooked.

8. Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. The rice will also absorb any remaining liquid, creating the perfect creamy consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Shrimp: This is the number one mistake! Shrimp cook incredibly fast—usually 3-5 minutes total. Overcooked shrimp become tough, rubbery, and lose their sweet, delicate flavor. They’re done when they just turn pink and opaque. Pull them off heat immediately and let residual heat finish the job.

2. Using High Heat for Rice: While you start with higher heat to sauté vegetables, you must reduce to low heat when simmering rice. High heat causes the liquid to evaporate too quickly, leaving you with crunchy, undercooked rice and a burned bottom.

3. Opening the Lid While Rice Cooks: Every time you lift the lid to “check” the rice, you release essential steam needed for proper cooking. This results in unevenly cooked, crunchy rice. Set a timer for 15-18 minutes and walk away. Trust the process!

4. Not Sautéing the Vegetables Long Enough: The holy trinity needs time to soften and develop sweetness. If you rush this step, you’ll have crunchy vegetables and a less flavorful sauce. Give them a full 4-5 minutes to properly soften and caramelize slightly.

5. Adding Cold Shrimp to the Pan: If your shrimp are ice-cold from the freezer or fridge, they’ll cool down the entire dish and release excess moisture, making everything watery. Always let thawed shrimp sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking, and pat them completely dry.

6. Wrong Rice-to-Liquid Ratio: Rice needs the right amount of liquid to cook properly. Too much makes it mushy; too little leaves it crunchy. Follow the recipe measurements carefully. If your rice consistently comes out wrong, your skillet might evaporate liquid faster—adjust by adding ¼ cup more broth.

7. Skipping the Tomato Paste: It seems like a small ingredient, but tomato paste adds crucial umami depth, subtle sweetness, and helps create that beautiful reddish-brown color. Don’t skip it! Cooking it for a minute also eliminates any metallic taste.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator Storage:
Store leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve over the first 24 hours, making this an excellent meal prep option! Keep in mind that the rice will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so the mixture will thicken. This is normal and actually makes for delicious leftovers.

Reheating Instructions:
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop: place leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and stir gently until heated through (about 5-7 minutes). This method prevents the shrimp from overcooking. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes at 50% power, stirring halfway through, though the shrimp texture won’t be quite as good.

Meal Prep Tips:
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Cook a double batch on Sunday and portion into individual containers. The dish reheats beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Pack in glass containers for easy reheating. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Portion Control:
For meal prep, divide into 4-6 equal portions depending on your appetite and dietary needs. Each serving provides a complete meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables, so no sides are necessary (though a simple salad never hurts!).

Keeping Rice from Drying Out:
If you notice your rice getting dry during storage, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to each container before sealing. This keeps everything moist and prevents the rice from becoming hard or crunchy in the fridge.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Make-Ahead Preparation:
You can prep several components 1-2 days in advance: dice all the vegetables and store in an airtight container, measure out all the seasonings and store together, and even season the shrimp up to 24 hours ahead (store covered in the refrigerator). When ready to cook, simply proceed with the recipe—everything comes together in 25 minutes.

Partial Make-Ahead Method:
For maximum freshness, cook the rice and sauce base ahead of time (through Step 6), then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the rice mixture on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth, then add fresh shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes. This ensures the shrimp are perfectly cooked and not rubbery.

Freezing Cooked Dish:
While possible, freezing the complete dish isn’t ideal because shrimp and cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen. However, if you do freeze it, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly—stir well while reheating and add fresh cream if needed to restore consistency.

Freezing Components Separately:
For best results, freeze the rice and sauce base (without shrimp) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat with additional broth or cream, then add fresh shrimp and cook just before serving. This gives you a head-start on dinner while ensuring perfect shrimp texture.

Best Reheating from Frozen:
Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding 2-4 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through—don’t boil or the shrimp will become tough.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious ways to round out your dinner:

Bread Options:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy Cajun sauce
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a traditional Southern contrast to the spicy shrimp
Crusty French Bread – Classic Louisiana pairing for mopping up sauce
Biscuits – Fluffy buttermilk biscuits add comfort-food appeal
Hush Puppies – Traditional Deep South fried cornmeal fritters

Vegetable Sides:

Simple Green Salad – Crisp lettuce with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness
Roasted Green Beans – Lightly seasoned and roasted until tender-crisp
Steamed Broccoli – Simple and healthy, lets the main dish shine
Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and freshness
Collard Greens – Traditional Southern greens complement the Cajun flavors

Fresh & Light Options:

Cucumber Tomato Salad – Fresh, acidic, and cooling against the spicy heat
Avocado Salad – Creamy avocado balances the spice beautifully
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is a classic Southern pairing
Grilled Zucchini – Light and healthy vegetable side

Beverage Pairings:

Sweet Tea – Classic Southern beverage that cools the spice
Lemonade – Tart and refreshing complement
Light Beer – Crisp lager or pilsner cuts through the richness
White Wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with creamy seafood
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Keeps it light and refreshing

Complete Meal Ideas:

Serve with garlic bread and Caesar salad for an Italian-Cajun fusion dinner
Create a Southern feast with cornbread, coleslaw, and sweet tea
Keep it simple with just crusty bread and a light green salad
Make it fancy with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, and white wine

FAQs Section

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Brown rice requires significantly more liquid and longer cooking time (40-45 minutes vs. 15-18 minutes), so you’ll need to adjust the recipe substantially. Use 3 cups of broth, 1½ cups brown rice, and simmer for 40 minutes before adding shrimp. Or cook brown rice separately and serve the shrimp and sauce over it for easier results.

Q: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
A: Make your own! Mix together: 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. This homemade blend works perfectly in the recipe!

Q: Can I make this with frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. The best method is placing frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 5-10 minutes until fully thawed. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Never cook shrimp directly from frozen in this recipe—they’ll release too much water and make everything watery.

Q: How can I make this less spicy for kids?
A: Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon total and omit the cayenne pepper. You can also use a mild Cajun seasoning blend or substitute with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful but not spicy version. Serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want extra heat.

Q: Why is my rice mushy/undercooked?
A: Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or cooking at too high a temperature. Undercooked rice means not enough liquid or not enough cooking time. Make sure you’re using the exact measurements and reducing heat to LOW once the liquid starts simmering. Also, don’t lift the lid during cooking—this releases essential steam!

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a very large, deep skillet (14-inch minimum) or use two separate pans. Rice needs enough surface area for even cooking. If your pan is too crowded, the rice won’t cook properly. All other steps remain the same—just make sure your pan is large enough!

Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
A: Yes! For a lighter version, use half-and-half (though the sauce will be thinner). For dairy-free, full-fat canned coconut cream works beautifully and adds subtle sweetness. Greek yogurt can work but add it at the very end off heat to prevent curdling. For the richest sauce, stick with heavy cream.

Q: My shrimp turned out rubbery—what happened?
A: Overcooked shrimp are the culprit. Shrimp cook incredibly fast—usually just 3-5 minutes depending on size. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. The “C vs. O rule” helps: C-shaped shrimp are perfectly cooked, O-shaped (tightly curled) means overcooked. Reduce cooking time slightly next time and watch them carefully!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your complete guide to making the most incredible Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice that’ll transport you straight to the Louisiana bayou! This one-pot wonder proves that restaurant-quality, flavor-packed meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With bold Cajun spices, succulent shrimp, and that dreamy creamy sauce all served over perfectly cooked rice, this dish delivers comfort food satisfaction with a spicy kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet in about 30 minutes, meaning you get maximum flavor with minimum effort and cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius while keeping you completely stress-free in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or impressing dinner guests on the weekend, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice never fails to deliver!

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this recipe! It’s been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years, and I genuinely never get tired of it. The combination of creamy richness with bold, spicy Cajun flavors is simply irresistible, and watching everyone’s faces light up at the first bite never gets old.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Recipe (One-Pot Comfort Food!)

History / Background

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Equipment Needed