Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Rice Skillet

Introduction

This Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Rice Skillet is a bold, one-pan meal packed with smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, tender rice, and a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Cajun spices. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of Southern-inspired flavor and comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Season the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
4. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the uncooked rice, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Place the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
11. Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
12. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

• Use andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
• Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they cook quickly and stay juicier when added at the end.
• Serve with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

4–6 servings