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To make One Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage, you’ll need these main ingredients: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option) - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a tasty dish bursting with flavor. You can change things up with these optional ingredients: - 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen - 1 teaspoon paprika for extra color - 1 jalapeño, diced for heat - 1 cup diced tomatoes for a juicy touch These options let you customize the recipe to fit your taste. Garnishing makes the dish even more inviting. Use these simple garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for serving These small touches add freshness and brightness to your plate. Enjoy making this dish your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make this dish, you need to gather all your ingredients first. This saves time and keeps your kitchen organized. You will need: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option) - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and crispy on the edges. Next, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir this mixture for about 3-4 minutes. The veggies should soften, and the onion will turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute while stirring. This will make the garlic smell great! After that, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and veggies. Stir well to coat everything in those bold flavors. Pour in the cooked rice or quinoa along with the chicken broth. Mix everything together and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Finally, fold in the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and firm. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a minute to let the flavors meld. Timing is key in this dish. Cook the sausage until crispy for the best flavor. When adding the shrimp, watch closely. Overcooking can make it tough. The shrimp should only take a few minutes to cook through. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw it first to ensure even cooking. Enjoy the process and trust your instincts! To make this dish pop, use fresh ingredients. Fresh bell peppers and herbs boost taste. Cajun seasoning is key; it brings heat and depth. You can mix it into the sausage and veggies early. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, too. A large skillet is best for this recipe. Choose one that heats evenly. Non-stick pans help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. A good spatula helps stir the ingredients well. Use a sharp knife for chopping veggies. Lastly, a sturdy cutting board is a must for safety. You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer. Turkey sausage works well as a lighter option. If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth instead. Quinoa is a great swap for rice if you want more health benefits. For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños for that extra kick. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen. If using frozen, make sure to properly thaw them before cooking. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other colorful vegetables like zucchini, corn, or snap peas to enhance the dish's nutritional value and visual appeal. Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add it gradually to achieve your desired level of heat. Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious taste. {{image_4}} You can swap rice for quinoa in this dish. Quinoa is rich in protein and fiber. This change makes the meal lighter while still filling. To use quinoa, cook it first. Use two cups of cooked quinoa instead of rice. It adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with Cajun spices. If you want a vegetarian dish, you can leave out the shrimp and sausage. Replace them with hearty veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. These veggies soak up the spices well. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for richness. This keeps the flavors strong and satisfying. For more heat, you can add extra Cajun seasoning. You might also try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce. This gives the dish a fiery kick. Adjust the spices to your taste. If you love a bold flavor, don’t be shy to experiment! To keep your One Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This dish stays good for up to three days. Always let it cool before sealing to avoid extra moisture. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish again, reheating is simple. For the best results, use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. Enjoy your flavorful meal! It takes about 3 to 4 minutes to cook shrimp in the skillet. You will know they are done when they turn pink and firm. Make sure not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh ones. They save time and still work well in this dish. For a side dish, consider a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. Both options complement the flavors well. You can also serve the meal with corn on the cob or a side of steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich taste of the Cajun shrimp and sausage. This recipe for One Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is simple and tasty. You learned about essential ingredients and how to cook them step by step. I shared tips on enhancing flavor and the best ways to store leftovers. You can also make variations like healthier options or vegetarian dishes. Experiment with these ideas to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and make this dish your own!

One Pan Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Delight

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring shrimp, smoked sausage, and colorful vegetables, seasoned with Cajun spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.
  • Once the oil is ready, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pan. Cook the sausage for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is well-browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
  • Next, add the chopped onion along with the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic into the pan and cook for another minute, stirring continuously until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to ensure everything is well-coated with the spices.
  • Pour the cooked rice (or quinoa) and the chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the mixture together, allowing it to cook for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Gently fold in the shrimp, and season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are firm to the touch.
  • Once completed, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for about one minute to allow all the flavors to settle and meld together.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute rice with quinoa.
Keyword Cajun, dinner, one pan, sausage, shrimp