Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

This Shrimp and Grits recipe with Cajun Cream Sauce is Southern comfort food at its finest. Creamy stone-ground grits, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and a rich, flavorful sauce make this an unforgettable dish perfect for brunch or dinner.

Few dishes say Southern comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Shrimp and Grits. This iconic recipe brings together buttery, cheesy stone-ground grits with juicy, Cajun-seasoned shrimp and a rich cream sauce bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, an elevated weeknight dinner, or hosting guests, this Shrimp and Grits recipe delivers comfort, elegance, and bold Southern flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Grits Recipe

• Rich and comforting with layers of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors

• Perfect for brunch or dinner

• Packed with protein and flavor

• Customizable with your favorite Cajun heat level

• Great for entertaining or treating yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home

This dish is the ultimate balance of cozy grits and bold shrimp, rounded out by a silky Cajun cream sauce that ties everything together. Let's break it down.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits: Slow-cooked grits are creamier and have better texture than quick or instant. Stone-ground is key.

• 4 cups water (or chicken broth): Broth enhances the flavor and depth of the grits.

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a tangy bite.

• 2 tablespoons butter: Helps create that luscious, velvety finish.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Brings the whole flavor profile together.

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp cook quickly and bring a sweet, briny contrast to the creamy grits.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and shrimp.

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Provides the signature Southern kick. Adjust heat to your preference.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A foundational flavor.

• ½ cup diced bell pepper (red and/or green): Adds color, crunch, and a sweet contrast.

• ½ cup diced onion: Builds flavor for the shrimp base.

• ½ cup diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and juiciness.

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami and balances the spice.

• ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

For the Cajun Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce; creamy and indulgent.

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Spicy, smoky flavor to complement the shrimp.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the sauce.

• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice: Adds brightness to cut through the richness.

Full Recipe: Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits

• 4 cups water (or chicken broth)

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup diced bell pepper (red and/or green)

• ½ cup diced onion

• ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Cajun Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grits

1. In a large saucepan, bring water (or broth) to a boil.

2. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits.

3. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

4. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Spoon grits into bowls.

2. Top with the Cajun shrimp and veggie mixture.

3. Drizzle with the Cajun cream sauce.

4. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed), make sure they're deveined for best texture and taste.

• Don’t rush the grits: Stone-ground grits need time to absorb the liquid and develop a creamy texture.

• Taste and adjust: Cajun seasoning can vary in saltiness and spice—taste as you go.

• Serve immediately: Shrimp and grits are best hot and fresh.

Variations

• Add bacon: Cook bacon first and use the drippings to cook the veggies for extra flavor.

• Serve over polenta: A creamy alternative to grits.

• Add greens: Stir in wilted spinach or collard greens for an earthy balance.

• Extra spice: Add hot sauce or cayenne if you like heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Grits may thicken when stored. Add a splash of water or milk and gently reheat on the stovetop.

• Freeze: Grits freeze well; shrimp are best made fresh.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce

This Shrimp and Grits recipe with Cajun Cream Sauce is Southern comfort food at its finest. Creamy stone-ground grits, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and a rich, flavorful sauce make this an unforgettable dish perfect for brunch or dinner.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

For the grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced bell pepper (red and/or green)
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the cajun cream sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Grits
2. In a large saucepan, bring water (or broth) to a boil.
3. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits.
4. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Stir in butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
7. Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
8. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
9. Add bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
10. Stir in diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes.
11. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
12. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
13. Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
14. In a separate saucepan, bring heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat.
15. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
16. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
17. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
18. Step 4: Assemble
19. Spoon grits into bowls.
20. Top with the Cajun shrimp and veggie mixture.
21. Drizzle with the Cajun cream sauce.
22. Garnish with chopped green onions.

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 Ready to serve up a Southern classic at home? This Shrimp and Grits recipe with Cajun Cream Sauce is bold, comforting, and packed with flavor.

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