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Creamy Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce

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A comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring creamy, cheesy grits topped with spicy shrimp in a rich Cajun butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for cozy dinners or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  2. Once the grits are thick and tender, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming.
  3. While the grits cook, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Toss the peeled shrimp with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink edges appear.
  5. Turn the shrimp over and cook for another 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through. Squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to combine with the butter sauce.
  6. Spoon the creamy grits onto plates and top with the Cajun butter shrimp. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while warm and buttery.

Notes

If grits thicken too much, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen. Cook shrimp in a single layer to avoid steaming. Keep heat medium to prevent butter from burning. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the sauce. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use almond or coconut milk instead of water/broth. Leftovers keep well for 2 days; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Cajun butter sauce, creamy grits, Southern recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, seafood, spicy shrimp

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-shrimp-and-grits-with-cajun-butter-sauce-easy-homemade-recipe/