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Quick Creamy Shrimp and Grits Recipe Perfect for Busy Weeknights in 15 Minutes

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A quick and creamy shrimp and grits recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed with smoky paprika and garlic with creamy, cheesy grits for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup quick-cooking grits to prevent lumps.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until thickened and creamy. For ultra-smooth grits, stir constantly for the first 2 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, and ¼ cup heavy cream.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
  6. While the grits simmer, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  8. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.
  9. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.
  10. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on one side without stirring to get a slight sear.
  11. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  12. Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped parsley over the shrimp, tossing gently to combine.
  13. Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top generously with the sautéed shrimp.
  14. Optionally, add a sprinkle of parsley or an extra lemon wedge on the side.

Notes

Use quick-cooking grits for speed. Avoid overcrowding the shrimp pan to ensure proper searing. Stir grits often to prevent lumps. For dairy-free, substitute butter, cheese, and cream with vegan alternatives. If grits thicken too much, loosen with milk or broth. Shrimp cook quickly; remove as soon as pink and opaque to avoid rubberiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, quick shrimp recipe, creamy grits, weeknight dinner, easy shrimp recipe, smoky paprika shrimp, comfort food

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-creamy-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights-in-15-minutes/