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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth The main ingredients are the heart of this dish. The large shrimp give it a rich flavor and a satisfying bite. Long-grain rice absorbs all the savory goodness and keeps the dish hearty. Chicken broth adds depth and moisture to the rice, making it truly tasty. - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Aromatics like onion and red bell pepper bring sweetness and color. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes your taste buds sing. Cajun seasoning is the star! It gives the dish its bold, spicy kick. - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness. Olive oil and butter create a flavorful base for cooking. Green onions and parsley make the dish look fresh and lively. These garnishes are not just pretty; they add a burst of flavor, too! First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This mix gives a rich flavor and helps the shrimp cook well. Once hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. After that, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 more minute. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish: 1 pound of large shrimp. Toss them into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to turn pink and be just cooked through. Once they look good, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. This keeps them tender and juicy for later. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of long-grain rice. Stir it around to coat it in the oil and flavors. Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and become tender. When the rice is ready, remove the lid and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds a rich, creamy texture. Mix it well until everything is combined. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Serve this dish hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Adjusting seasoning: Start with the Cajun seasoning. If you like more heat, add another half tablespoon. Taste as you go. This way, you ensure the dish matches your taste. - Enhancing creaminess: To make it creamier, add more heavy cream. A splash of chicken broth can help too if you want a lighter touch. Mix well to blend flavors. - Serving suggestions: Serve the dish in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy and inviting. You can also pair it with a side salad for color and crunch. - Garnishing ideas: Top with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. A wedge of lemon adds freshness and a pop of color. It will make your dish look restaurant-worthy. - Ensuring shrimp don’t overcook: Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from heat right away to avoid tough shrimp. They will stay juicy and flavorful. - Tips for fluffy rice: Use long-grain rice for the best texture. When you simmer, keep the lid on tight. This traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly. Fluff it with a fork once done to keep it light. {{image_2}} Shrimp alternatives If you want to switch up the shrimp, try chicken or sausage. They both work great in this dish. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Each choice will give a new taste. Rice options Long-grain rice is perfect, but you can use brown rice or quinoa. Brown rice adds more fiber, and quinoa is gluten-free. Both options change the texture and flavor a bit. Mild vs. spicy recommendations If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning. You can start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go. For those who love spice, add more seasoning or a bit of hot sauce. Adding heat with peppers To kick up the heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Mix them in with the onions and peppers at the start. This way, they blend well with the dish. Suggested vegetables You can add more veggies like spinach or zucchini. They not only boost nutrition but also add color. Toss them in just before the cream for a nice crunch. Incorporating proteins Feel free to mix in cooked bacon or diced ham. These meats add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also use cooked crab or lobster for a fancy twist. To keep your Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can enjoy it within three to four days. Remember to label the containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing works well. Allow the skillet to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. For reheating, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight. When ready, heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to warm it through evenly. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. This keeps it creamy and delicious. You can pair this dish with a few great sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: A warm, crusty bread complements the creamy sauce well. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add a nice crunch. - Simple salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. For drinks, consider these options: - White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc goes well with seafood. - Iced tea: A cool drink can refresh your palate. - Sparkling water: A bubbly drink adds a fun touch. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Here are some tips: - Thaw first: Place shrimp in cold water for quick thawing. - Pat dry: Remove excess water to avoid a watery dish. - Cook time: Frozen shrimp may take a minute longer to cook. Using frozen shrimp can be just as tasty and saves time too! Making this dish vegetarian is easy! Here are some swaps: - Shrimp substitute: Use cooked mushrooms or tofu for texture. - Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for flavor. - Cream alternative: Use coconut milk for a creamy texture. These changes keep the dish tasty and satisfying while being meat-free. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for a flavorful creamy Cajun shrimp and rice skillet. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook with ease and confidence. We also discussed tips for perfect flavor, presentation, and storage, plus variations for your preferences. Remember, cooking should be fun, and experimenting with ingredients can lead to tasty results. Enjoy making this dish your own, and don’t hesitate to try different flavors and techniques as you go. Dive in and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet

Spice up your dinner with this delightful Fiery Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Rice Skillet recipe! Made with tender shrimp, hearty rice, and a creamy Cajun sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for any weeknight meal. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

          In the same skillet, add the rice, stirring to coat in the flavored oil and spread evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

              Remove the lid, and slowly stir in the heavy cream; mix well until combined. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the mixture.

                Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

                  Serve piping hot, garnished with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls, topping with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a vibrant finish. Add a wedge of lemon for a touch of freshness.