Cozy Savory Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight Recipe For Dinner

Southern comfort meets coastal elegance in this shrimp and creamy grits masterpiece that whispers stories of culinary tradition.

Succulent seafood nestles against silky, rich grits, creating a harmonious dance of textures and flavors.

The dish captures the essence of hearty, soulful cooking with its delicate balance of ingredients.

Imagine a plate that transports you to a warm kitchen filled with passionate cooking and Southern hospitality.

Perfectly seasoned shrimp brings a delightful marine brightness to the creamy, luxurious grits beneath.

Each forkful promises a symphony of comfort and sophistication that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Regional techniques blend seamlessly to produce a meal that feels both intimate and extraordinary.

You can savor every magical bite of this classic Southern celebration.

Why Savory Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight Is Southern Comfort at Its Best

• Creole seasoning and smoked paprika transform ordinary shrimp into a zesty, mouth-watering protein that delivers a punch of southern-inspired spice.
• This one-skillet wonder allows home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.
• Creamy grits provide a luxurious, silky base while sausage and shrimp add robust, hearty textures that elevate this traditional southern dish into a sophisticated dinner experience.
• Easy to adapt for different spice levels or dietary preferences by swapping proteins or adjusting seasonings, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients in Savory Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that absorbs the Creole seasoning perfectly. Wild-caught or large Gulf shrimp work best.
• Sausage: Adds a smoky and rich flavor to the dish. Andouille sausage is traditional for Southern recipes.

• Creole Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Provides bold, spicy warmth and depth to the shrimp. Homemade or store-bought blends work well.
• Garlic, Onions: Classic aromatics that build a strong flavor foundation. Fresh ingredients recommended.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and complexity to the sauce. Use fresh lemon for best results.

• Chicken Broth, Milk: Create a rich liquid base for cooking and building sauce. Low-sodium broth recommended.
• Grits: Traditional Southern cornmeal that becomes creamy and comforting. Stone-ground grits offer the best texture.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Provide luxurious richness and smooth consistency to the dish. Full-fat versions enhance flavor.
• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish that add color and light, fresh notes.

Cooking Instructions for Shrimp and Grits Delight

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Seasoning

• Creole seasoning
• Smoked paprika

Combine the spices in a bowl. Coat the shrimp thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned. Let the shrimp marinate while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage

Slice the sausage into thin rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate, keeping the flavorful drippings in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in the same skillet. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook briefly until they transform into a vibrant pink color. Remove shrimp and set aside with the sausage.

Step 5: Create Sauce Base

Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream to create a rich, smooth sauce.

Step 6: Combine Proteins

Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Splash in fresh lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all ingredients.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Grits

• Chicken broth
• Milk

Bring to a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits reach a luxuriously creamy consistency.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the creamy grits onto warm plates. Top generously with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips to Perfect Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight

• Spice Up Smartly: Blend Creole seasoning and smoked paprika thoroughly to ensure each shrimp gets an even, flavorful coating for maximum taste.
• Sausage Searing Secret: Brown sausage rounds slowly over medium heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the entire dish.
• Shrimp Timing Trick: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Sauce Consistency Technique: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits to create a flavor-packed base for your creamy sauce.
• Grits Smoothness Strategy: Stir grits constantly while cooking and add liquid gradually to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Shrimp and Grits Delight

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm shrimp and grits in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently until heated through.
• Microwave Caution: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Microwave can make shrimp rubbery, so use minimal heating time to preserve texture.

What Complements Savory Shrimp and Grits Delight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, spicy shrimp and grits. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use a hearty, rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast. The tangy sourdough perfectly balances the creamy, spicy elements of the dish.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a bright vinaigrette. The citrusy notes will refresh the palate and provide a vibrant counterpoint to the rich, savory main course.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Choose a light, crisp American wheat beer or a Belgian-style saison. These beer styles offer a refreshing complement to the hearty, spiced shrimp and creamy grits.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp and Grits Delight

• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Replace creole seasoning with cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Incorporate fresh crab meat alongside shrimp for a richer seafood experience.
• Smoky Andouille Adventure: Swap regular sausage with spicy andouille sausage to enhance the dish's depth. Add smoked gouda cheese to the grits for a more intense smoky flavor profile.
• Southern Coastal Classic: Use stone-ground grits instead of regular grits for a more authentic texture. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and add fresh thyme leaves to complement the seafood's natural sweetness.
• Cajun Herb Celebration: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and oregano into the shrimp marinade. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the final dish for added crunch and richness.

Questions About Shrimp and Creamy Grits Delight

• How long should I marinate the shrimp?

The seasoning can be applied just before cooking, so marinating isn’t necessary. Let the shrimp sit with the Creole seasoning and smoked paprika for about 5-10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille sausage is traditional, but you can substitute with kielbasa or chorizo for a similar flavor profile. Just ensure it’s sliced into small rounds and browned well.

• What if my grits are too thick or thin?

For thicker grits, add a bit more broth or milk and continue stirring. If too thin, cook uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently to reach desired creamy consistency. The key is slow, steady cooking and occasional stirring.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.

Savory Shrimp And Creamy Grits Delight Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Southern comfort meets coastal charm in this shrimp and grits masterpiece. Silky stone-ground grits cradle succulent shrimp, creating a soul-satisfying dish you’ll crave from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 14 ounces (397 grams) smoked sausage link/rope (like Hillshire Farm)
• 1 pound (454 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2.5 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt (optional)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Liquids and Dairy:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups milk or half & half
• 1 cup grits
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Green onions or fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine Creole seasoning and smoked paprika, generously coating the shrimp to infuse robust flavors. Allow the spices to penetrate while preparing the remaining components.
2. Cut sausage into delicate medallions and render in a spacious skillet, browning each side to develop a rich caramelized exterior. Extract the sausage, preserving the flavorful drippings for subsequent cooking.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet, introducing diced onions and sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the pan.
4. Introduce the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking swiftly until they transform into a vibrant pink hue. Promptly remove and set aside alongside the sausage.
5. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, meticulously scraping the caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. Briefly bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Stream heavy cream into the reduced liquid, creating a luxurious sauce. Reintegrate the sausage and shrimp, then splash with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated with the creamy essence.
8. In a separate pot, combine broth and milk, bringing to a vigorous boil. Gradually whisk in grits, reducing heat and covering to create a velvety, smooth texture.
9. Plate the creamy grits as a luscious foundation, crowning them with the succulent shrimp and sausage medley.
10. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or parsley, adding a final layer of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinating shrimp with Creole seasoning and smoked paprika enhances the deep, complex flavor profile of this Southern-inspired dish.
• Sautéing sausage first creates a rich, flavorful base of drippings that will infuse incredible depth into the entire recipe.
• Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce captures all the delicious browned bits, transforming them into a luxurious sauce.
• Heavy cream adds incredible richness and helps create a velvety smooth sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and sausage.
• Cooking grits slowly with broth and milk ensures a creamy, smooth texture that serves as the perfect comforting base for the spicy, savory topping.
• Fresh green onions or parsley provide a bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the dish’s richness and adds a pop of color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg