When it comes to easy, flavorful dinners, shrimp might just be my secret weapon. It’s one of the easiest types of seafood to store, cook, and enjoy. Even people who don’t usually care for seafood often make an exception for shrimp—it’s mild, tender, and so versatile. Plus, a little goes a long way, making it perfect for budget-friendly meals that still feel special.

If you’re trying to get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet (those amazing, heart-healthy fats found in fish), shrimp is an excellent place to start. You can often buy it peeled and deveined, which takes out most of the prep work—though I still recommend giving it a quick once-over to make sure nothing was missed. Since shrimp cooks quickly and naturally has great flavor, it’s the ideal protein for fast, delicious meals that keep your dinner rotation interesting.

When I first started experimenting with Cajun shrimp, I went a little overboard with the spice. The result? A dinner that was flavorful but way too spicy for anyone else at the table. Lesson learned! Over time, I perfected a Cajun seasoning blend that keeps the bold flavor but lets you control the heat. You can make this dish mild enough for kids or spicy enough to satisfy the heat lovers in your life.

The best part? This recipe comes together in about an hour, and you only need to clean one pot. Serve it with your favorite green veggie—broccoli, asparagus, a simple salad—and you’ve got a complete, balanced meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Rice Base

2 cups rice
32 ounces chicken broth (plus 1–2 tablespoons extra broth or water to make up for evaporation)
2–3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

Shrimp

1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

Cajun Seasoning
(Mix this yourself if you don’t have store-bought Cajun seasoning)

2¼ teaspoons paprika
1¼ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
¾ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon oregano
¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (¼ for mild, ½ for spicy)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

Prep Work

Make the seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, mix together the paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
Clean the shrimp: Give your shrimp a quick rinse and check for any missed veins or shells. Pat them dry and place them in a medium bowl.
Start the rice: Wash the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Place the rice in a large, deep skillet or pot. Add chicken broth, 2–3 tablespoons of oil, and about half of the Cajun seasoning (around 1½ tablespoons). Stir well and bring to a boil.

Cooking Instructions

Cook the rice: Once the broth is boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
Season the shrimp: While the rice cooks, add 1 tablespoon of oil and the remaining Cajun seasoning (about 2 teaspoons) to the bowl of shrimp. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Adjust moisture if needed: If the rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan or looks a little dry, add a splash of water before adding the shrimp. This helps steam the shrimp and prevents burning.
Add the shrimp: When the rice is nearly done, remove the lid and stir in the seasoned shrimp. Replace the lid and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and have reached an internal temperature of 145℉.
Serve: Top with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, and pair with your favorite green vegetable.

Serving & Storage Tips

Since this is a one-pot dish, it’s best served hot right after cooking, when the rice is fluffy and the shrimp are perfectly tender. If you’re meal prepping or making it ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving to help it steam back to life. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.

If you’re freezing leftovers, know that the texture of shrimp can change slightly after thawing, but it’s still totally enjoyable. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Cajun Shrimp is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, customizable, and loaded with flavor. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth, the rice soaks up all that delicious broth, and the shrimp stay tender and juicy.

Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, this dish adapts to your taste—and the one-pot method means you spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying dinner. So the next time you’re craving something bold, colorful, and satisfying, grab some shrimp and let this recipe do the rest.