One‑Pot Cajun Rice

Why You’ll Love One‑Pot Cajun Rice Recipe

Because it’s a one‑pot meal, it’s easy on time and effort — ideal for busy weeknights or when you don’t want lots of dishes. The Cajun seasoning gives the rice a warm, slightly spicy, savory depth that’s comforting and flavorful. And you can easily customize it to your preference: add vegetables, proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Long‑grain white rice

• Cajun seasoning (or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper)

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth, if preferred)

• Onion, diced

• Bell pepper, diced (any color)

• Garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

• Optional extras for customization: vegetables (e.g. peas, corn), beans, diced tomatoes, or other additions like cooked sausage, shrimp, or chicken

Directions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic — sauté until softened.

2. Stir in the uncooked rice and the Cajun seasoning (and salt/pepper to taste). Let the rice toast briefly, coating it with the seasoning.

3. Add the broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed (time will depend on your rice — see recipe card for guidance).

5. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Add any optional extras or mix‑ins now (e.g. cooked protein, veggies, beans), gently fold them in, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Total time from prep to table is typically around 25–35 minutes, depending on the type of rice you use and whether you add extras.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pot over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

FAQs

How spicy is Cajun seasoning — will the rice be very hot?

That depends on how much Cajun seasoning you use and the mix of spices in it. You can start with a small amount and gradually add more to suit your taste. Adjusting the quantity lets you control the heat level.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes — but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Make sure to adjust the broth amount and simmer time accordingly.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own mix: combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or oregano, a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes (for heat), and black pepper. Use this blend as a substitute.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and skip any meat add‑ins. You can add beans, lentils, or vegetable medley for protein and substance.

Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?

Yes. You can cook protein separately (or sear it lightly before adding) and stir it into the rice after cooking. Alternatively, precooked sausage, shrimp, or beans — added near the end — work well.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Yes — vegetables like peas, corn, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes add flavor, color, and nutrition. Just ensure they’re appropriately cooked (softened) before serving.

What’s the ideal rice‑to‑liquid ratio?

A good starting ratio is about 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid (broth), especially for long‑grain white rice. Adjust slightly depending on rice type or desired texture.

How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy or clumping?

Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio, avoid stirring too much after adding the broth, and keep the heat low once simmering. Removing the lid only near the end helps too.

Can I double the recipe if cooking for more people?

Yes — just adjust the amounts of rice, broth, and seasoning proportionally, and use a pot large enough to allow expansion. Cooking time may increase slightly.

What side dishes go well with Cajun rice?

Simple sides like a green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or even a side of grilled or sautéed vegetables complement the spicy, savory flavors nicely.

Conclusion

This One‑Pot Cajun Rice is a go‑to recipe for when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without fuss. It’s easy to make, versatile, and customizable — perfect as a standalone dish or as a base to build on with proteins and vegetables. Try it on a weeknight, and enjoy a warm, aromatic meal with minimal cleanup.