Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice

If there’s one recipe that saves my weeknight sanity, it’s this One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice. The other night, I came home from my kids’ soccer practice shoes muddy, dinner late, everyone hungry and I pulled this dish together in under 30 minutes. No stress, no mountain of dishes, and no complaints from the picky eaters. That’s a win in my book.

One-pan meals like this aren’t just about saving time (though, let’s be honest, that’s a huge bonus). They’re about creating something that feels special without the fuss. This recipe uses a tangy, herb-packed salsa verde that turns simple shrimp and rice into a vibrant, flavorful dinner. And because it all cooks together, the rice soaks up every drop of that zesty sauce no side dishes required.

A Busy Cook’s Dream Dinner

When life gets busy, the last thing you want is a recipe that turns your kitchen into a battlefield of pots and pans. With this One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice, everything comes together in one place. Just sauté, let it simmer, and serve all without switching cookware. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to relax, savor your food, and maybe even treat yourself to dessert.

Plus, the recipe is easy to adapt. If you’ve got leftover rice, you can cut the cook time in half. If you’re out of shrimp, swap in chicken, fish, or even beans. It’s as flexible as it is fast.

The Perfect Balance of Freshness and Comfort

This dish hits that sweet spot between comfort food and fresh, bright flavors. You get:

• Tangy heat from salsa verde
• Juicy sweetness from tender shrimp
• Fluffy, aromatic rice cooked right in the sauce
  And just before serving, a handful of fresh basil or spinach takes it over the top.

It’s satisfying enough for a cozy night in, but colorful and flavorful enough to serve to guests. Trust me once you make it, it’s going into your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice Wonder

One thing I love about this One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice is that the ingredient list is refreshingly short. No rare spices you’ll use once and forget in the back of the pantry. Just a handful of everyday items that come together to create bold, fresh flavors.

Fresh, Simple Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this weeknight hero dish:

• Olive oil Gives your onions and shrimp a rich, savory base.
• Chopped onions Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Diced or crushed tomatoes A juicy, tangy layer for the sauce.
• Rice White long-grain works beautifully, but jasmine or basmati also shine.
• Chicken broth Infuses the rice with extra flavor as it cooks.
• Raw shrimp (prawns) The star of the show; quick-cooking and tender.
• Spices Think salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for a warm, balanced seasoning.
• Fresh basil or spinach Brings a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Salsa verde the secret that brings it all to life. Bright, fresh, and herb-packed, with just enough heat to keep things exciting.

Choosing the Best Shrimp and Salsa Verde

Let’s talk about two ingredients that make or break this dish: shrimp and salsa verde.

Shrimp:

• Go for medium to large shrimp so they stay juicy and don’t overcook before the rice is done.
• Peeled and deveined saves time (and your sanity on busy nights).
• Wild-caught shrimp tend to have sweeter flavor, but high-quality farmed shrimp work too.

Salsa Verde:

• For a quick dinner, store-bought tomatillo-based salsa verde is a lifesaver.
• If you’ve got 10 extra minutes, homemade salsa verde adds unbeatable freshness.
• Look for a version with medium heat so the flavor shines without overwhelming the dish.

Pro tip: If you make your own salsa verde, roast the tomatillos, onions, and peppers for a deeper, richer flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Make One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal without the stress. Everything happens in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your dinner.

Build the Flavor Base

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes and let them simmer until they start breaking down into a rich sauce, around 5 minutes.
4. Stir in your salsa verde, blending it with the tomato base for that signature tangy, herby kick.

Cook the Rice

1. Add the rice directly to the sauce and stir to coat every grain.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and cook until the rice is almost tender. Cooking time will depend on the type of rice you use (white rice usually takes 15–20 minutes).

Season and Add the Shrimp

1. While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp in a bowl with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Once the rice is nearly done, nestle the shrimp into the pan, pressing them gently into the rice mixture.
3. Scatter in the fresh basil or spinach, letting the heat wilt the greens slightly.

Finish and Serve

1. Cover the pan again and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
2. Fluff the rice, making sure everything is well combined.
3. Garnish with extra fresh basil if you like, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Shrimp cook quickly keep an eye on them so they don’t turn rubbery. If you’re using larger shrimp, you might need to give them an extra minute or two.

Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting

Cooking one-pan meals is all about ease, but there are still a few tricks to ensure you get perfect results every single time. Here’s how to make this One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice foolproof.

Quick Tips for Perfect Results

• Toast the rice first Stir the rice in the tomato-salsa mix for a minute before adding broth. This helps lock in flavor and keeps the texture light.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp They only need a few minutes. Once they turn pink and opaque, take the pan off the heat.
• Simmer, don’t boil Keep the heat low to medium so the rice cooks evenly without scorching the bottom.
• Taste as you go Salsa verde brands vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning right before serving.

Variations & Creative Twists

• Protein Swap: Not a shrimp fan? Try diced chicken breast, flaky white fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Grain Change: Use quinoa or brown rice just adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more color and nutrition.
• Heat Levels: Kick up the spice with extra jalapeños in your salsa verde, or keep it mild for family-friendly flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Rice not cooked but liquid absorbed: Add ¼ cup of warm chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer until tender.
• Too much liquid left at the end: Remove the lid and cook for a few extra minutes to evaporate the excess.
• Shrimp overcooked: Next time, add them later in the process so they’re just done when you serve.

FAQ :what about the One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice

More One-Pan and Rice Favorites

If you’re anything like me, once you fall in love with a one-pan dinner, you want more of them in your life. After this One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice, you might enjoy my bright and citrusy One Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon the crispy lemon slices are a total game changer. For a cozy, nutrient-packed twist, try my One-Pot Miso-Turmeric Salmon and Coconut Rice, which layers rich, golden broth flavors into every bite. If you’re craving something spiced and hearty, my One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Orzo Skillet will warm you right up. And for a springtime feel, the One-Pot Orzo Risotto with Spring Veggies is fresh, creamy, and just as easy to make.

Conclusion: A Delicious life saver for weekends :the One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice

This One-Pan Salsa Verde Shrimp and Rice is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or stressful. With simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to whether you’re feeding the family after a busy day or making something colorful for friends. So grab your skillet, stir up that tangy salsa verde, and let the magic happen in just one pan.

Ready to get cooking? Find the video tutorial for this recipe (and many more!) on my YouTube Channel, and don’t forget to pin your favorite ideas on Pinterest!