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Creamy Shrimp and Grits

This spicy, smoky, and creamy shrimp and grits with andouille sausage is ready in about 30 minutes!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 629 kcal
Course: Dinner , Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

FOR THE GRITS
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant grits)
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 cup (about 4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Butter, cubed
FOR THE SHRIMP
  • 1 lb. medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (7 ounce) link andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons
  • ¼ cup sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced or pressed (about 1 teaspoon total)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • hot sauce, to taste
  • Optional garnish: additional sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh rosemary, or fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

COOK THE GRITS
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk in the grits and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes (or until thick and smooth), stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat. Add the cheese and butter; whisk or stir until melted and smooth. Cover to keep warm.
COOK THE SHRIMP
  1. While you bring the water to a boil for the grits, prepare the shrimp so that both parts of the meal are ready at about the same time.
  2. Place shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and toss to coat. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sausage and onion; cook until the sausage starts to brown and the onion begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 more minute.
  4. In a large measuring cup, stir together chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the broth mixture to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  5. Stir in the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
SERVE THE SHRIMP AND GRITS
  1. Place the grits in the bottom of a serving dish. Top with the shrimp mixture, ladling some of the sauce on top as well. Garnish with hot sauce, green onions, or fresh herbs.

Notes

  • We prefer large, extra large, or jumbo shrimp in this recipe, but any size shrimp will work. Just adjust the cooking time if using smaller shrimp. Leave the tail on the peeled shrimp for a “fancy” touch!
  • The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp. You know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful that you don’t overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery.
  • Garnish the dish with sliced green onion or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a colorful, bright finishing touch and extra flavor.
  • If you're watching your sodium intake, try an unsalted Creole seasoning, and just add a little bit of salt to your dish to taste. You can also use unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth to prepare the sauce.
  • For the best flavor and texture, use heavy whipping cream in the sauce (instead of a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half or whole milk). The full-fat cream is less likely to curdle or separate when it simmers, too.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/4 of the shrimp and grits Calories 629kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 42g (84%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 0.4g Cholesterol 282mg (94%) Sodium 1621mg (68%) Potassium 595mg (17%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 1060IU (21%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 300mg (30%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 629

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/4 of the shrimp and grits
Calories 629kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 42g 84%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 0.4g 20%
Cholesterol 282mg 94%
Sodium 1621mg 68%
Potassium 595mg 13%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1060IU 21%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 300mg 30%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.