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A black bowl filled with Cajun Shrimp and Grits, with a spoon scooping into the right side.
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Shrimp and Grits with a Creamy Tomato Sauce

Take a trip down to NOLA and try this super easy shrimp & grits recipe. It’s so tasty and the perfect way to brunch from home!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Servings: 4 bowls
Calories: 642kcal
Author: Shani W.

Equipment

  • Sauce Pot with lid
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Large Skillet with Deep Sides
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Grits:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ½ cups seafood broth
  • ¾ cup quick grits
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more, to taste
  • Gouda cheese (optional)
  • chopped green onions for garnish
  • chopped parsley for garnish

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • cup seafood broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

For the Shrimp:

  • 12.5 ounces large raw shrimp peeled and deveined, with tails on
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

For the Grits:

  • Add the heavy cream and seafood broth to a pot and whisk together until combined. Heat on medium heat until liquid begins to boil.
  • Pour in the grits and seasonings, and let the pot come to a boil again.
  • Turn the heat down to a simmer, cover, and let the grits cook for about 8-10 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir in your cheese (if using it) at this stage.
    Let cook for another 5 minutes uncovered for thick, creamy grits.

For the Sauce:

  • While the grits are cooking, take a large saucepan/skillet and add in the butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, Cajun seasoning, and tomato paste.
  • Bloom the tomato paste and spices on medium heat until fragrant. Stir frequently, creating a paste, so that the mixture does not burn.
  • Pour in the seafood broth and heavy cream and cook on medium heat until the sauce reduces and becomes thicker.

For the Grits:

  • Season the raw shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
  • Add your seasoned shrimp to the saucepan. Cook the shrimp for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Finally, add your creamy grits to a bowl or shallow plate.
  • Top with the cooked shrimp and cream sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips & Tricks:
Don't add your shrimp to the skillet until your sauce has thickened; shrimp cooks very quickly so that should be the last thing we cook.

Nutrition

Calories: 642kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 288mg | Sodium: 1226mg | Potassium: 654mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3662IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 3mg