Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printer-Friendly)

Tender shrimp coated in creamy Cajun sauce served over 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

# Directions:

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 bell pepper, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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 blend flavors.
07 - Divide jasmine rice among serving bowls. Spoon creamy Cajun shrimp and sauce over rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce clings to every grain of rice, giving you comfort in every bite without feeling heavy.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • You can dial the heat up or down depending on your mood or your guests.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, making lunch the next day something to actually look forward to.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the shrimp or they will turn rubbery, pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  • Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking so it finishes steaming and becomes perfectly fluffy.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp back in, because Cajun seasonings vary widely in salt and heat.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre-grated kind, it melts smoother and does not clump.
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning so the Cajun spices stick and the shrimp sear instead of steam.
  • Use the same skillet for the shrimp and the sauce to capture all the browned bits and extra flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne if your Cajun seasoning is not spicy enough, but do it gradually so you do not overdo it.
  • Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken slightly, but do not let it boil hard or the cream may separate.
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