Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Creamy Polenta

Name: Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Creamy Polenta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup polenta; 4 cups water; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup scallions, sliced

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with comfort food vibes, Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Creamy Polenta is your answer. This recipe brings together spicy, succulent shrimp with rich, creamy polenta, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion meal.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
The Cajun seasoning adds a flavorful kick without overwhelming heat.
Creamy polenta complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
Simple ingredients that come together in a sophisticated way.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup polenta

4 cups water

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup scallions, sliced

Ingredients Explained

The star of the show here is the shrimp. These little guys cook quickly and take on the Cajun flavors perfectly. The polenta acts as a creamy base, absorbing the spices and balancing out the heat. Adding butter and heavy cream to the polenta makes it extra rich and smooth, while parmesan cheese gives it a savory depth. The olive oil helps the shrimp cook evenly, and the Cajun seasoning brings in that essential Southern spice. A bit of lemon juice brightens everything up, and the scallions and parsley add freshness and color to your plate.

Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can prepare the shrimp and polenta simultaneously. Just keep an eye on each to prevent overcooking.
If you like your polenta even creamier, feel free to add more heavy cream.
Adjust the level of cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.

Detailed Instructions

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don't forget to season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them marinate for around 15 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to get your polenta going.

Bring four cups of water to a boil in a pot. Once it's bubbling, slowly whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and keep stirring every few minutes. This will take about 30 minutes, so be patient while it thickens. When it looks nice and creamy, stir in the butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Give it a taste, and add a bit more salt and pepper if necessary. Keep this warm until you're ready to serve.

Next, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated shrimp in the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You'll know they're done when they turn opaque and have a slight curl. Once they're cooked through, squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and toss them with the chopped parsley.

To serve, ladle the creamy polenta onto a plate or bowl, then top it with the cooked shrimp. Garnish with a sprinkle of scallions for an added pop of flavor and color.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.

2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low and cook while stirring frequently for about 30 minutes or until thickened.

3. Stir in butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese into the polenta. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque and cooked through.

5. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and toss with chopped parsley.

6. Serve the shrimp on top of the creamy polenta and garnish with scallions.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?: Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?: You can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less rich.

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