One-Pan Shrimp & Rice

One-Pan Shrimp & Rice

The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

Now let me tell you about the very first time I made one-pan shrimp & rice after moving to the U.S. I had just finished a long day, my tiny apartment kitchen was filled with unpacked boxes, and all I wanted was something warm, cozy, and comforting but without dirtying every pot and pan I owned. I tossed shrimp, garlic, spices, and rice into a single skillet, said a tiny French prayer to the culinary gods 🇫🇷✨, and voilà… magic happened.

There’s something beautiful about one-pan meals. They’re simple, they’re soulful, and they let every ingredient mingle together like old friends. This one-pan shrimp & rice recipe has become one of my weeknight heroes. Juicy shrimp, fluffy seasoned rice, bold spices, all simmered together in one glorious pan you’ll happily scrape clean. I promise, my friends, this dish will make your kitchen smell like a seaside vacation and fill your heart (and belly!) with comfort.

And don’t worry we’re making this in pure Lacamorea style: warm, approachable, and overflowing with flavor. By the end, you’ll be ready to make one-pan shrimp & rice whenever you need an effortless, delicious dinner that tastes like it took hours.

⏱️ Time
• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Rice:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but magical!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Warm the pan
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. We want it shimmering not smoking — the kind of sizzle that whispers rather than shouts.
2. Sauté the veggies
   Add onions and bell peppers. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Your kitchen should smell heavenly right about now.
3. Add the spices
   Sprinkle in paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the vegetables get coated in this warm, fragrant blend.
4. Toast the rice
   Add the rice directly into the skillet. Stir and let it toast for 1–2 minutes. This little step adds depth and keeps the rice fluffy later.
5. Add the broth
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, until it’s fluffy and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Cook the shrimp
   Once the rice is nearly finished, nestle the shrimp on top of the rice in a single layer. Cover and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
7. Finishing touches
   Squeeze lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Give it a gentle fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Your one-pan shrimp & rice is ready to make your heart happy.

Serving Suggestions
• Add a side of warm crusty bread to scoop up the flavorful juices.
• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh.
• Want a French twist? Pair with a chilled glass of crisp white wine.
• Add sliced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

📝 Notes
• Swap rice for brown rice (increase broth +10 min cook time).
• Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern version.
• Shrimp overcooks fast once it’s pink, it’s done!
• Add peas or corn during the last 5 minutes for extra color and texture.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values:
Calories: 410
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g

Recipe Card
📛 One-Pan Shrimp & Rice
⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍤 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients: Shrimp, rice, spices, pepper, onion, broth, lemon
👩‍🍳 Instructions: Sauté veggies → Toast rice → Add broth → Simmer → Add shrimp → Finish with lemon & parsley
⭐ Tip: Don’t skip toasting the rice it makes everything more flavorful!

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Conclusion
Cooking shouldn’t feel complicated it should feel like a warm hug after a long day. This one-pan shrimp & rice is exactly that: comforting, flavorful, and beautifully simple. Every bite brings together tender shrimp, perfectly seasoned rice, and that magical combination of spices that fills your home with joy.

From my Parisian childhood kitchens to my American weeknight routine, this recipe has become one of my most beloved go-tos. I hope it brings as much comfort to your table as it does to mine. Bon appétit, my friends! ❤️🍤🍚