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Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits

quick creamy garlic butter shrimp and grits - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight recipe featuring juicy garlic butter shrimp served over silky smooth quick-cooking grits, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt.
  2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of quick-cooking grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until thickened and creamy.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  6. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and lemon juice. Stir to coat.
  7. Spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with garlic butter shrimp, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Stir grits frequently to keep creamy and prevent lumps. Butter is divided between grits and shrimp for layered richness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with canned coconut milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, garlic butter shrimp, quick dinner, creamy grits, weeknight meal, comfort food, easy shrimp recipe