Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Succulent shrimp coated in creamy Cajun sauce, served atop fragrant jasmine rice for an easy 40-minute meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, adjusted to taste
17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 1/2 lemon, juiced

# How to Prepare:

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 onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 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 fresh parsley. Add lemon juice. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
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 restaurant comfort food but comes together faster than ordering delivery.
  • The creamy sauce clings to every grain of rice and piece of shrimp, so nothing goes to waste.
  • You can dial the heat up or down without losing any of the deep, smoky flavor.
  • It feels fancy enough for guests but forgiving enough for a tired Tuesday.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or it will turn gummy and clump together instead of staying light and fluffy.
  • Pull the shrimp off the heat as soon as they turn pink, they'll finish cooking in the sauce and stay tender.
  • If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash more broth, it should coat a spoon but still flow easily.
03 -
  • Use a large skillet so the shrimp sear instead of steam, that's how you get the best flavor and texture.
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated, it melts smoother and tastes sharper.
  • Save a little pasta water or extra broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while sitting.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with more lemon, salt, or a pinch of sugar if it needs balance.
Go Back