Quick & Easy Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Spicy Tomato Sauce
This flavorful Cajun shrimp and creamy grits dish is quick to prepare on the stovetop. The shrimp are sautéed with Cajun spices and served over cheesy, buttered grits topped with a spicy tomato sauce. Perfect for a satisfying dinner with Southern-inspired comfort food flair.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Dish
- Grits
- Tomato Sauce
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Grits
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
Grits
Reduce heat to low and cook grits, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Grits
Remove grits from heat and stir in butter and grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
Tomato Sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Tomato Sauce
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tomato Sauce
Pour in the canned tomato puree and add smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Main Dish
In another large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
Main Dish
Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer; cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Main Dish
Remove shrimp from heat. To serve, spoon creamy grits into bowls, top with sautéed shrimp, and ladle spicy tomato sauce over the shrimp.
Garnish
Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & notes
Use quick-cooking grits to reduce cooking time, and be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mixture.
Saving it for later
Store any leftover shrimp and grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days for best quality. Keep the tomato sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and grits gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Warm tomato sauce separately over low heat before serving. Avoid overheating the shrimp to keep them tender.
