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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe with Easy Spicy Creamy Sauce

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A quick and easy Cajun shrimp and grits dish featuring a spicy creamy sauce that balances bold heat with comforting creaminess. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup stone-ground or quick-cooking grits (160g)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (950ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g), optional
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes (or 5-7 minutes if using quick-cooking grits), stirring occasionally until thick and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If grits thicken too much, stir in a splash of broth or water.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: While grits cook, rinse and pat dry shrimp. Toss with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Set aside to develop flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Make the Spicy Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with shrimp and aromatics. Add fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra cayenne if desired. Let sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Spoon creamy grits onto plates and top generously with Cajun shrimp and spicy creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

Use stone-ground grits for best texture or quick-cooking grits to save time. Stir grits frequently to prevent lumps and achieve creaminess. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Reheat leftovers gently with broth or cream to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp and grits, spicy creamy sauce, quick dinner, Southern comfort food, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-with-easy-spicy-creamy-sauce/