Cajun Shrimp and Cheese Grits are a delicious meal for 4! Cheesy grits are topped with Cajun-seasoned, pan-seared shrimp and creamy sauce.
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Quick Cooking Grits *OR stone-ground grits
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup goat cheese (crumbled)
- ½ teaspoon Cajun spice mix
- salt and black pepper enough to season to taste
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Cajun spice mix to season shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp peeled/ deveined
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun spice mix
-
Cook grits with water and salt, according to pkg. directions. Note: cooking time depends on which kind of grits you use. **Stone Ground Grits take approx. 30-45 minutes, while Quick Grits take about 5 minutes. Use "Stone-Ground Grits" OR "Quick Grits", according to your own personal preference.
-
Add grated cheddar cheese and crumbled goat cheese. Heat on medium-low stirring often until cheeses melt and are fully incorporated. Add ½ tsp. of Cajun spice mix; stir until combined. Season grits to taste with salt and black pepper. Set aside, cover pan and keep hot. If using Quick Grits, time them so they are done when the shrimp is done, to save time!
-
Sprinkle shrimp with 2 tsp. of Cajun spice mix; toss gently to distribute spices.
-
Melt butter in large skillet; stir in minced garlic. Cook butter/garlic for about 1 minute, stirring often. Add shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through and pink (do not overcook!). Remove from heat.
-
Melt butter in a large skillet on medium-low heat. Stir in milk, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp. Cajun spice mix. Heat sauce through. TIP: To save time, you may want to make the sauce BEFORE cooking shrimp/grits. Reheat it right before serving.
-
Spoon hot cheese grits (divide evenly) into the bottom of serving bowls. Arrange shrimp on top, then sprinkle with chopped green onions (optional garnish). Spoon sauce over the shrimp; it will run down the sides and encircle the grits. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook time shown is for using "quick grits". If using stone-ground grits, the cooking time for the grits will increase considerably (per pkg. directions).