Creamy Cajun Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Succulent shrimp in spicy Cajun cream sauce atop jasmine rice. A comforting, flavor-packed meal ready in 40 minutes.

# 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, 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.
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.
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 combine flavors.
07 - Divide jasmine rice among serving bowls. Spoon creamy Cajun shrimp and sauce over rice. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like youve been simmering something all day.
  • The Cajun spice gives you warmth without making you reach for water every other bite.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the rice soaks up even more of that creamy, tangy sauce overnight.
02 -
  • Dont leave the shrimp in the skillet while you make the sauce or theyll turn rubbery, I learned that the hard way.
  • If your sauce looks thin, let it simmer another minute or two, the Parmesan will help it come together as it melts.
03 -
  • Use a large skillet so the shrimp have room to sear instead of crowding and steaming each other.
  • Add the lemon juice at the very end, not during the simmer, or the cream might curdle and look broken.
  • If you want to impress guests, serve this family style in a big shallow bowl with the rice on the bottom and shrimp piled on top, it looks restaurant quality with zero extra effort.
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