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To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s the detailed list: - 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (add more for extra spice) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For customization, you can add optional ingredients such as: - 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn for sweetness and color These ingredients bring warmth and flavor to your dish. Each plays a role in making your meal rich and satisfying. 1. Initial vegetable sautéing: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. This step builds a great flavor base. 2. Cooking shrimp and combining flavors: Next, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for one minute. Then, add the shrimp to the pot. Season them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. 1. Steps to simmer and incorporate all ingredients: In the same pot, add the long-grain rice. Mix it with the sautéed veggies for about 2 minutes. This helps to lightly toast the rice. Then, pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring this mixture to a simmer. 2. Timing for perfect rice texture: Once it simmers, cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 15-18 minutes. The rice should become tender and absorb most of the liquid by the end. 1. Adding shrimp back to the dish: After the rice is cooked, add the heavy cream. Mix it in well. If you’re using frozen peas or corn, toss them in now. Heat everything for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. 2. Presentation and serving suggestions: Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Fold them gently into the rice mixture. Allow the dish to heat for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top for a pop of color! To get the best Cajun flavor, start with your spice levels. If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning. I recommend using brands like Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's. They bring a great kick and depth of flavor to the dish. For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results. This helps it blend smoothly into the dish. Avoid adding it too soon; let the rice cook fully first. If you add the cream too early, it may curdle and ruin the texture. One-pot cooking saves time and hassle. To make it even easier, prep your ingredients first. Chop your veggies and measure your spices before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without stopping to gather items. Always stir to prevent sticking, and keep the heat steady. This ensures even cooking and rich flavor in every bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp in this dish. Chicken works great too. Just cut it into bite-size pieces and cook it the same way. Smoked sausage adds a nice kick and flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. They soak up all the tasty flavors. Want to change the taste? Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for more heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro can brighten the dish. For broth, try vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This adds a different depth of flavor while keeping it light. To complement the creamy Cajun shrimp and rice, serve a simple salad. A side of garlic bread is also a hit. For garnishes, I love fresh parsley or even sliced green onions. They add color and extra flavor to your meal. To store your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish safe. The meal can stay good in the fridge for about three days. When reheating, I suggest using the stovetop. Add a bit of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat it on low to avoid drying out the shrimp. Stir gently to keep the shrimp from overcooking. You want them juicy, not rubbery. To freeze this dish, first cool it completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth for creaminess. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well before adding to your pot. Frozen shrimp may release more water. This can slightly change the dish's texture. If you use frozen shrimp, adjust the cooking time slightly. If you want to lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk is a tasty dairy-free option. For a healthier choice, use Greek yogurt. Mix it in at the end. This keeps it creamy without heavy cream's richness. This recipe has a good kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice level easily. Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder dish. Add more if you love heat. You can also add fresh chopped jalapeños for extra spice. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the shrimp and rice as instructed. Store them separately in the fridge. Reheat them together before serving. This helps keep the shrimp tender. You can store leftovers for up to three days. This blog post covered a delightful Cajun shrimp and rice dish. We talked about key ingredients, from shrimp to broth. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and how to get that creamy finish. You also learned how to personalize flavors and variations with different proteins. Storing and reheating tips help keep your meal fresh. With these insights, you can create a dish that's both tasty and fun. Enjoy making this recipe your own and impressing friends and family!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Dive into this flavorful one-pot creamy Cajun shrimp and rice dish! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines succulent shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and creamy goodness all in one pot. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a hearty meal that dazzles the taste buds. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Cajun cuisine to your table tonight! Your family will love it!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain rice

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (add more for extra spice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn for added sweetness and color

Instructions
 

In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the pot and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

        In the same pot, add the rice and mix it with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to lightly toast the rice.

          Pour in the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

            Once simmering, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              After the rice is cooked, add the heavy cream and mix well. If using frozen peas or corn, add them at this stage for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.

                Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pot, folding them gently into the rice mixture. Allow the dish to heat for an additional 2 minutes.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

                    Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4