Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits

Indulge in this Southern classic—Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits. Juicy, spiced shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and served over rich, cheesy grits, all topped with a flavorful, creamy Cajun sauce. This dish is bold, comforting, and comes together quickly for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

⏱ Time Required:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp butter (for cooking)

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits

4 cups chicken broth (or water)

½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tbsp butter

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove (minced)

½ tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Grits

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.

Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until thick.

Stir in the heavy cream, oil , cheese, salt, and pepper.

Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Blacken the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and all seasonings until well coated.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tbsp butter.

Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add heavy cream, parmesan, and Cajun seasoning.

Stir until smooth, then add lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Spoon the creamy grits onto a plate.

Top with the blackened shrimp.

Drizzle with the sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits:

Use Fresh Shrimp – If possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
Get a Good Sear – A hot skillet ensures the shrimp blacken properly without overcooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Adjust the Spice – Control the heat by modifying the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning.
Creamy Grits Perfection – Stir the grits often and add extra cheese or butter for ultra-richness.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque (about 2 minutes per side).

❓ Q/A Section

Q: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought Cajun or Creole seasoning works well. Just adjust the salt as some blends are saltier than others.

Q: What if I don’t have grits?
A: You can substitute mashed potatoes, polenta, or even cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The grits can be made in advance and reheated with a little extra milk. The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can season them ahead of time for quick cooking.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk in the grits and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative.

Q: What goes well with this dish?
A: Try serving it with collard greens, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Grits – Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the recipe)
Servings: 4

Estimated Nutrition Breakdown:

Calories: ~450-500 kcal

Protein: ~35g

Carbohydrates: ~35g

Fiber: ~2g

Sugar: ~2g

Fat: ~22g

Saturated Fat: ~10g

Cholesterol: ~275mg

Sodium: ~800-1000mg (varies with seasoning)