Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Grits
Imagine velvety grits kissed by a garlicky, creamy sauce, wrapped around plump, juicy shrimp – pure comfort on a plate.
Total: 30 minPrep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes 4
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 1/2 cups stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Steps
- 1 In a medium saucepan, bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2 While grits cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
- 3 Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4 Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Season with black pepper and paprika.
- 5 Return shrimp to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
- 6 Stir Parmesan cheese into the cooked grits if using.
- 7 Serve grits in bowls topped with shrimp and creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
Calories:
420 kcal
Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the grits in the dry pan before adding water.
- Use shrimp stock instead of chicken broth for a richer shrimp flavor.
- If you're not dairy-free, add a splash more cream for an extra velvety sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top adds a zesty brightness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple arugula salad or sautéed vegetables complement this dish nicely.