🔥 Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits – A Southern Comfort Classic 🔥

Some dishes just feel like home, and nothing says Southern comfort quite like a steaming bowl of shrimp and grits. This version has a bold kick of spice, creamy cheesy grits, and succulent shrimp cooked in a smoky Cajun butter sauce. It is quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for entertaining. If you love rich flavors and satisfying meals, this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Grits

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.
3. Stir in the butter, cheese, salt, and black pepper until fully melted and combined. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for two to three minutes per side until the shrimp are just pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Let it simmer for two to three minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in green onions and crispy bacon if using.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits into a bowl.
2. Top with spicy Cajun shrimp and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet.
3. Garnish with more green onions, crispy bacon, or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

Dig in and enjoy a bold, flavorful dish that is pure Southern comfort in every bite!

🔥 Tips for the Best Shrimp and Grits

✅ Use stone-ground grits – They have the best texture and flavor. Instant grits will work in a pinch, but stone-ground makes all the difference.
✅ Do not overcook the shrimp – They cook fast, so remove them as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
✅ Customize the spice level – Love heat? Add extra cayenne and hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Reduce the Cajun seasoning and cayenne slightly.
✅ Make it extra creamy – Stir in a little extra butter or cream at the end for even richer grits.

🔥 Want to Switch Up the Protein? Try These Combinations!

This dish is delicious with shrimp, but you can swap in other meats for a different take on this Southern classic while keeping all the incredible flavor.

🥩 Shrimp and Steak – For the ultimate surf and turf, cook a blackened ribeye or filet mignon alongside the shrimp. Slice thinly and serve over the grits with the shrimp and sauce.

🌶 Blackened Chicken – Swap shrimp for seasoned chicken breast or thighs. Cook in the skillet until golden and juicy, then slice and serve over the grits.

🐷 Cajun Smothered Pork Chops – Use bone-in or boneless pork chops seasoned with Cajun spices. Sear until golden, then simmer in the creamy sauce for even more richness.

🦀 Lump Crab and Shrimp – Add lump crab meat at the end of cooking for an extra luxurious touch. Let it warm in the sauce without over-stirring to keep the chunks intact.

🔥 Spicy Andouille Sausage and Shrimp – Brown sliced andouille sausage first, then cook the shrimp in the same skillet to soak up all that smoky, spicy flavor.

👇 Let me know in the comments, which version would you try first? Are you team shrimp, steak, chicken, or all of the above? Let’s talk food!