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One-Skillet Cajun Butter Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy and Flavorful Dinner

one-skillet Cajun butter shrimp and grits - featured image

A quick and satisfying one-skillet meal featuring spicy Cajun butter shrimp, smoky Andouille sausage, and creamy grits, perfect for a comforting Southern-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 8 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Andouille sausage into 1/2-inch rounds, mince the garlic, and slice the green onions. Peel and devein shrimp if needed.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add shrimp and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with sausage.
  4. Pour chicken broth into skillet and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add more broth or water if grits become too thick.
  6. Return shrimp and sausage to skillet, fold gently into grits. Warm together for 2 minutes to marry flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best texture; thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Stir grits frequently to prevent sticking and ensure creamy consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and butter with olive oil. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, butter shrimp, grits, Andouille sausage, one skillet meal, quick dinner, Southern recipe, spicy shrimp, creamy grits