This Creamy Shrimp and Grit recipe is a rich, comforting dish made with juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, and Parmesan, all served over buttery, cheesy grits. It’s an easy yet elegant recipe that blends Southern comfort with bold Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Shrimp – The star protein; tender, juicy, and quick-cooking
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Add tangy-sweet depth and rich umami
- Shallots & garlic – Build a flavorful, aromatic base
- Olive oil – Used to sauté and enhance richness
- Red pepper flakes – Optional heat to balance the creaminess
- White wine – Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce
- Heavy cream & Parmesan – Create a rich, velvety, cheesy sauce
- Fresh parsley – Brings freshness and color
- Grits – Creamy Southern base for soaking up the sauce
- Butter & cream (for grits) – Add smooth texture and richness
- Salt & pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors
Alternative Ingredients
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Swap with roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes
- Shallots – Use yellow onion or red onion in a pinch
- White wine – Replace with chicken broth plus a splash of lemon juice
- Heavy cream – Use half and half or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
- Parmesan – Substitute with Pecorino Romano or a sharp white cheddar
- Stone-ground grits – Instant or quick grits work for a faster option
- Fresh parsley – Try fresh basil or chives for a different flavor
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports muscle repair – High-quality protein from shrimp aids in muscle maintenance and growth
- Promotes brain health – Omega-3s in shrimp support cognitive function and reduce inflammation
- Boosts immunity – Garlic contains compounds that help strengthen the immune system
- Improves heart health – Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats that can lower bad cholesterol
- Enhances bone strength – Parmesan provides calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
- Aids digestion – Parsley may help reduce bloating and support healthy digestion
- Supports healthy vision – Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin A
- Provides lasting energy – Grits offer complex carbs for steady energy throughout the day
Expert Tips
Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy.
Use warm liquid for grits: Stir grits into boiling water or broth to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Toast grits before cooking: For a nuttier flavor, toast the dry grits in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding liquid.
Let sauce rest briefly: Allow the cream sauce to rest off the heat for a minute to thicken naturally before serving.
Fresh herbs at the end: Add parsley just before serving to keep its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Customize spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste, or swap for smoked paprika for a different smoky kick.
FAQs
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Peeling and deveining is recommended for the best texture and taste, but you can keep tails on for presentation.
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
You can replace wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Stone-ground grits give the best texture, but quick or instant grits can be used to save time.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be creamy and pourable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy shrimp and grits alongside a simple green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. A crusty garlic bread or roasted asparagus also pairs beautifully to soak up the rich sauce.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Black Eyed Peas and Sausage
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Easy Beetroot and Cucumber Salad
- Blackened Salmon Bowl
- Farro with Blistered Tomatoes Pesto and Spinach
Creamy Shrimp and Grit Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1.5 pounds shrimp raw, shelled (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes roughly chopped
- 2 shallots roughly diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh parsley packed
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan grated
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (I like to use sauvignon blanc)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or polenta)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes or until thick and tender. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Keep warm on low heat.1 cup stone-ground grits, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, salt to taste, 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.2 shallots, 3 garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to reduce slightly.1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.1.5 pounds shrimp, Salt and pepper to taste
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Return shrimp to the pan along with chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat.1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1 cup fresh parsley
- Spoon a generous portion of grits into each bowl. Top with the creamy shrimp mixture and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly.
- To save time, quick or instant grits can be used instead of stone-ground.
- For extra flavor, toast the grits in a dry pan before cooking.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Leftover sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently to avoid curdling.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Easy recipe to follow. Loved it! Wonderful taste
Thank you Rose! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! 🙂