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Creamy Cajun Garlic Shrimp & Rice

This creamy Cajun garlic shrimp and rice combines juicy seasoned shrimp with a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce and fluffy white rice. Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper flakes add plenty of warm flavor to this easy seafood dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired, Southern
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Tongs or silicone spatula
  • Wooden spoon For stirring the creamy sauce
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove the Cajun shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the creamy Cajun garlic sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the garlic shrimp can soak up plenty of Cajun flavor.
  7. Stir in the fresh parsley and taste the creamy shrimp sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Spoon the hot white rice into bowls and arrange the creamy Cajun shrimp around and over the rice. Spoon plenty of Cajun garlic sauce over everything and serve hot.

Notes

Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning so they sear instead of steaming.
Cook the shrimp only until pink and lightly browned, then remove them from the skillet so they do not overcook.
Reduce the heat before adding the garlic to prevent it from burning.
Bring the cream and broth only to a gentle simmer so the sauce stays smooth.
Stir the Parmesan in until fully melted before returning the shrimp to the skillet.
Simmer the shrimp briefly in the finished sauce so they absorb the Cajun garlic flavor.
Taste the sauce before adding more salt because the Cajun seasoning, broth, and Parmesan may already provide enough.