Cajun Rice

This Cajun Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a laid-back weekend, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients for Cajun Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy Cajun Rice recipe:

• 2 cups white rice: You can use long-grain white rice or jasmine for that extra aromatic touch.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: This adds tons of flavor! You can also use water in a pinch, but I promise it won’t taste the same.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Use the real stuff for richness! Margarine just doesn’t cut it here.
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup, chopped into ½-inch pieces): Onion brings a wonderful sweetness when sautéed.
• 1 green bell pepper (about 1 cup, chopped into ½-inch pieces): Adds crunch and color!
• 2 celery ribs (about ½ cup, very thinly sliced): This adds a lovely, subtle flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic: Because garlic makes everything better!
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: This is where the magic happens, don’t skip it!
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder: More garlicky goodness.
• ½ teaspoon crushed oregano: A classic herb that pairs well.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed thyme: Just a hint of earthiness.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Use a bit more if you like it spicy!
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Optional, but if you like heat, you’re gonna want this!
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste): Season to your liking!
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley (finely chopped, for topping): For that fresh touch!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth over high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, just until done, you’ll want the rice tender but not mushy! Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until those veggies have softened and the onion is translucent, creating that aromatic base. The kitchen will smell heavenly, trust me!

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Now add the garlic along with all of the spices: smoked paprika, granulated garlic, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Toss everything together and let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Oh my goodness, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine the rice with the veggie mixture. Make sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan, those bits are gold! Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

If you loved this Cajun Rice, be sure to check out my Rice Patties or my Mushroom Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Cajun Rice comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s ideal for those busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal but don’t have much time.

All in One Pot

Minimal cleanup required! You’ll only need two pans for this meal, one for the rice and one for the veggies. Love that!

Affordable Ingredients

This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser

Loaded with tons of flavor, this is a dish where everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Seriously! It’s that good.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Got some leftover chicken? Toss it in! Need to use up a few odds and ends? This Cajun Rice can handle it.

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Cajun Rice is great on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein
• A fresh side salad to balance the flavors
• Cornbread or crusty bread for sopping up all that goodness

Storage

This dish can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, just pop it in the microwave. If it’s dry, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving for the best results.

Freezer-Friendly

Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it as mentioned above.

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free! This Cajun Rice is a brilliant example of how easy it can be to whip up something delicious in no time flat. Don’t forget to check back for other recipes when you’re in the mood for something new and flavorful. It’s all about enjoying the process and creating memories around the dinner table.

Happy cooking, friends! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Easy Cajun Rice

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• Author: amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavor-packed one-pot Cajun Rice dish that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
• ½ teaspoon crushed oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed thyme
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth over high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the garlic along with the spices: smoked paprika, granulated garlic, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Great for using up leftovers or customizing with your favorite ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg