Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable)

Tender shrimp coated in creamy Cajun sauce with fresh vegetables, served over fluffy jasmine rice. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Rice

04 - 1 cup jasmine rice
05 - 2 cups water
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Cajun Cream Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - While rice cooks, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add lemon juice. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Divide cooked jasmine rice among serving bowls. Spoon creamy Cajun shrimp and sauce over rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but you'll be eating in under 45 minutes.
  • The creamy sauce clings to every grain of rice and makes you want to lick the bowl clean.
  • One skillet does all the heavy lifting, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
  • The gentle heat warms you up without setting your mouth on fire, perfect for anyone who likes flavor with a little kick.
02 -
  • Don't walk away from the shrimp while they're cooking, they go from perfect to rubbery in about 30 seconds and there's no going back.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil hard, or the cream can break and get grainy instead of silky.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp back in, because this is your last chance to adjust the salt and spice levels.
03 -
  • Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning them, moisture prevents a good sear and makes them steam instead.
  • Save a little pasta water or extra broth on the side, if your sauce gets too thick, a tablespoon or two will bring it back to life.
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using the pre-grated stuff, it melts smoother and tastes about a hundred times better.
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