Southern-Style Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp & Grits

(Creamy, Savory, and Bursting with Flavor!)

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

✔ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ 2 tbsp butter
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or make your own: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt & pepper)
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ Juice of ½ a lemon
✔ 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
✔ 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Creamy Grits:

✔ 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if you’re short on time!)
✔ 4 cups chicken broth (or water, but broth gives it more flavor!)
✔ ½ cup heavy cream (for extra richness!)
✔ 2 tbsp butter
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Creamy Grits

1️⃣ In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
2️⃣ Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the grits cook for about 20 minutes (stirring occasionally).
3️⃣ Once thickened, stir in butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth. Cover and keep warm.

💡 Pro Tip: If the grits get too thick, add a little more broth or cream to loosen them up!

Step 2: Cook the Cajun Shrimp

1️⃣ In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Toss in the shrimp, then season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly crispy on the edges.
5️⃣ Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, stir, and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve!

1️⃣ Spoon a generous amount of creamy grits onto a plate or bowl.
2️⃣ Top with the juicy Cajun shrimp and drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce from the pan on top!
3️⃣ Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced green onions for that extra pop of flavor and color.
4️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

💡 Serving Ideas: Pair with buttery cornbread or a side of collard greens for a true Southern feast.

🔥 Why This Recipe Hits Different:

✔ Creamy, cheesy grits + bold, garlicky shrimp = a flavor explosion!
✔ One pan, easy cleanup—perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
✔ Full of Southern charm and comfort!

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🛒 Southern-Style Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp & Grits Shopping List

Seafood & Dairy:

✔ Large shrimp – 1 lb (peeled & deveined, fresh or frozen)
✔ Heavy cream – ½ cup (for creamy grits!)
✔ Butter – 4 tbsp (2 tbsp for shrimp, 2 tbsp for grits!)
✔ Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 1 cup (for extra creaminess!)

Fresh Produce:

✔ Garlic cloves – 3, minced
✔ Lemon – ½, juiced
✔ Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish!)
✔ Green onions – 2 tbsp, sliced (for garnish!)

Pantry Staples & Liquids:

✔ Stone-ground grits – 1 cup (or quick grits for a faster version!)
✔ Chicken broth – 4 cups (for extra flavor in grits!)
✔ Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Spices & Seasonings:

✔ Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp (or homemade: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt & pepper!)
✔ Smoked paprika – ½ tsp (adds depth!)
✔ Black pepper – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp (to taste!)

**Sis, this is all you need to make that bold, creamy, and flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp & Grits

💡 Shopping Tips for This Recipe:

✔ Check your pantry first! You may already have some of these seasonings.
✔ For the freshest shrimp, visit a seafood market or ask the butcher for "wild-caught" shrimp instead of farm-raised.
✔ If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly in cold water before cooking.
✔ Don’t skip the chicken broth for the grits! It makes them rich and flavorful.

✗⚬ﾒ𝟶,

Till Next Time,

Lilly