Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice Recipe

 Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor? This Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice is the answer to your busy-night woes. It’s a one-pot meal that combines perfectly seasoned shrimp, fluffy rice, and bold Cajun spices into a dish that will have your taste buds dancing. The best part? It’s cooked entirely in the Instant Pot, saving you from mountains of dishes while still delivering a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you love a spicy shrimp recipe or just want something quick and crowd-pleasing, this dish is a winner.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients for this delicious Cajun-inspired meal:

• 1 pound (about 450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock (or water with a bouillon cube)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning. Toss them well to make sure every piece is coated with those bold spices. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the rice, chicken stock, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix everything so the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cancel the “Sauté” mode and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to “Sealing” and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 6 minutes. Once the timer is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to release any remaining steam.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Immediately open the lid and gently stir the contents. Place the seasoned shrimp on top of the cooked rice mixture. Put the lid back on (no need to seal it again) and allow the residual heat to cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes. The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and perfectly tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir gently to combine the shrimp and rice. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and brightness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of freshness.

Tips for Customization

• Adjust the Heat
  Love extra heat? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the sautéed veggies. For a milder version, use a low-sodium Cajun seasoning blend.

• Add Protein Variety
  Want more protein? Mix in sliced andouille sausage with the veggies or add some shredded chicken alongside the shrimp.

• Switch the Grain
  Not a fan of white rice? Swap it for brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly (brown rice typically takes 20-22 minutes in the Instant Pot). Quinoa works as well, offering a lighter and more nutritious alternative.

• Vegetarian-Friendly
  Skip the shrimp and add black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. You can also increase the bell peppers and diced tomatoes for a veggie-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the satisfying spice of Cajun seasoning, the sweetness of shrimp, and the fluffiness of perfectly cooked rice—all in one pot. It’s quick, hassle-free, and cleanup is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, with the Instant Pot handling most of the work, you’ll have more time to relax (or tackle that never-ending to-do list).

Make this Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp and Rice tonight and treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of Louisiana—all without leaving your kitchen!