Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender shrimp coated in spicy Cajun cream sauce served atop fragrant jasmine rice. A comforting, flavor-packed meal 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 chopped fresh parsley
19 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# How to Make It:

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 to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add chopped onion and 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 while 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 thoroughly in sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Divide jasmine rice among serving bowls. Spoon creamy Cajun shrimp and sauce over rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy Cajun sauce clings to every grain of rice and piece of shrimp, so nothing goes to waste.
  • It's ready in 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want real flavor.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on your mood or who you're feeding.
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day once the spices have had time to marry.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the shrimp or they'll turn rubbery, pull them off the heat as soon as they're opaque.
  • Let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking so the grains finish steaming and stay fluffy.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp back in, Cajun blends vary wildly in salt and heat.
  • Add the lemon juice at the very end so its brightness doesn't cook off.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the shrimp a nice sear.
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice, it removes excess starch and keeps the grains separate and fluffy.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, or the cream can break and turn grainy.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it reduce a minute longer before adding the cheese.
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