Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender shrimp coated in creamy Cajun sauce with jasmine rice. A flavorful, easy meal ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll 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, plus extra for garnish
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 1-2 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 3-4 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 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped 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 jasmine rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with creamy Cajun shrimp mixture and sauce. Garnish with additional fresh parsley as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy sauce clings to every grain of rice and coats the shrimp so each bite feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something that tastes like you tried harder than you did.
  • The balance of spice, richness, and brightness from the lemon keeps you coming back for another forkful.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the shrimp or they will turn rubbery, pull them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp back in, because Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat and salt, and you can always add more but you cannot take it away.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly or it will turn gummy instead of fluffy, that step is not optional.
03 -
  • Reserve a little pasta water or extra broth in case the sauce gets too thick, a tablespoon or two will bring it back to life.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the shrimp a better sear.
  • Add the lemon juice at the very end so the acidity stays bright and doesn't cook off.
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