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When you need a quick, flavorful lunch or weeknight dinner, this one pan, meal prep Cajun shrimp and veggies is a must-try. With juicy, spiced shrimp, colorful veggies and a light sauce all made in just one skillet, it’s a simple dish that’s big on flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeks when you want something healthy, satisfying and easy to grab. Once you taste this easy Cajun shrimp recipe, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation.
This meal prep Cajun shrimp and veggies dish combines tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and bold Cajun flavor in an easy, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays.
You might also like meal prep breakfast taco bowls, Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, Cajun shrimp pasta, and Cajun chicken pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Fast and easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Healthy and colorful: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies, it’s as nutritious as it is pretty.
Full of flavor: Cajun seasoning and garlic make every bite bold and satisfying.
Perfect for meal prep: Divide it into containers and have lunches ready for days.
Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means easy cleanup afterward.
Customizable: Swap some of the veggies or adjust the spice level to make it your own.
Cajun Shrimp with Vegetables Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Raw shrimp: The star of the dish, offering lean protein and soaking up all those bold Cajun flavors. Use peeled, deveined shrimp in this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it first. Juicy large shrimp work best.
Olive oil: Or a similar cooking oil. Helps coat and cook the shrimp and veggies evenly.
Cajun seasoning: Brings a spicy, savory kick to the shrimp and vegetables.
Zucchini: Adds a mild, tender vegetable component to add another great taste and balance the dish.
Bell peppers: Provide sweetness, crunch and vibrant color. I used one yellow and one red bell pepper in mine (if you prefer green and/or orange, they work too!)
Garlic: Infuses the whole dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth: Creates a light, savory sauce that ties everything together.
How to Make Shrimp and Veggies Cajun Style
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Marinate the shrimp: Toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a large bowl to coat.
Cook the shrimp: Add olive oil to a large skillet and sauté the shrimp until just cooked through and opaque. Set them aside.
Cook the vegetables: Add zucchini and bell peppers to the same pan, then stir in garlic.
Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the sauce reduces.
Assemble the containers: Divide the shrimp and veggies into meal prep containers (I used these!) and spoon sauce over the top.
Garnish: Top with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
Switch up the veggies: Try adding broccoli, snap peas, yellow squash, green beans, mushrooms, or asparagus for a different flavor and texture.
Adjust the seasoning: Make it spicier with extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper, or milder by mixing Cajun spices with a little paprika. You might also like to add a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder, or perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice for a zesty kick. Add however much salt and pepper you like too (Cajun seasonings vary in salt content, so it’s best to taste-test).
Use a different protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu or even salmon. Another idea is to make it meaty with some smoked sausage or Andouille sausage. I love shrimp sausage dishes – these proteins make such a tasty pairing!
Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Add grains: Make it a complete meal by adding cooked rice, cauliflower rice, couscous, or quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Begin your meal with a peach panzanella salad (it’s so fresh and tasty!)
Side dishes: Cajun shrimp with veggies pairs nicely with rice, noodles or pasta. You might also like to enjoy some roasted carrots or cheesy vegetables on the side.
Desserts: Finish off with tartufo or perhaps some cherry lush.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Veggies
Store: Store the meal prep containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can change the shrimp’s texture. Also, the veggies wouldn’t thaw out crisp.
Reheat: Gently reheat in the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, if needed, to refresh the sauce.
Top Tips
Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp cook more evenly and have a better texture.
Dry the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning to ensure a good sear in the skillet.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender. Nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Cut veggies evenly: Slicing the vegetables the same size helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Simmer the sauce properly: Letting the broth reduce brings all the flavors together for a richer finish.
Deglaze the pan: Deglaze with chicken broth and a spatula to scrape the bottom bits from the pan to create a flavorful sauce.
Meal Prep Cajun Shrimp FAQs
You can, but add the shrimp at the very end just to warm through so it doesn’t overcook.
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers.
Meal Prep Cajun Shrimp and Veggies Recipe
Meal Prep Cajun Shrimp and Veggies
Equipment
- Skillet Large
Ingredients
- 1 Pound shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 zucchini, medium, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, red, sliced into strips
- 1 bell pepper, yellow, sliced into strips
- 3 Cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ Cup chicken broth
For Garnish
- parsley, freshly chopped
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Combine shrimp, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, and the Cajun seasoning in a large bowl. Toss until coated.
- Heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until cooked through and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the zucchini and bell peppers.
- Cook for 2 minutes and then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer until the sauce reduces by half.
- Evenly divide the shrimp and vegetables between 4 meal prep containers and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices if liked.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender. Nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Cut veggies evenly: Slicing the vegetables the same size helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Simmer the sauce properly: Letting the broth reduce brings all the flavors together for a richer finish.
Nutrition
Meal prep Cajun shrimp and veggies is a quick, colorful dish that makes eating healthy easy and delicious. This one skillet meal is just as simple as a sheet pan meal or sheet pan dinner. Juicy shrimp, crisp-tender veggies, and a bold Cajun kick all come together in just 20 minutes. Make this recipe for those busy weeks when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, vibrant flavor, and easy prep, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for quick lunches or dinners.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
