Description
Make rich, flavorful Cajun shrimp and grits entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. This recipe delivers creamy grits topped with spicy, savory shrimp.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth and the milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits thicken.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on very low heat, covered.
- While the grits cook, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- In a separate skillet (or use a second pot if you prefer to keep everything strictly one-pot, though this step is easier separately), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to make a roux base.
- Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth until the mixture thickens slightly into a light sauce.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Spoon the creamy grits into bowls. Top generously with the Cajun shrimp and sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade Cajun seasoning.
- If you prefer thicker grits, let them stand off the heat for 5 minutes before serving.
- Use low-sodium broth if you are watching your salt intake.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 250