Description
Looking for a quick dinner that feels like a restaurant indulgence but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe brings that perfect mix of comfort and elegance. Imagine spoonfuls of velvety, cheese-laced polenta topped with juicy, garlic-kissed shrimp in a buttery, smoky sauce. It’s an ideal pick for your weeknight meals, dinner ideas with flair, or when you need reliable food ideas that please everyone. Whether you’re after an easy recipe, healthy snack, or rich Southern-inspired dinner idea, this one checks all the boxes with flavor, speed, and style.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Polenta:
1 cup cornmeal (coarse or medium ground)
4 cups water (or 2 cups milk + 2 cups water for a creamier version)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring water (and milk, if using) with salt to a simmer.
- Whisk in cornmeal slowly to prevent lumps.
- Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan until creamy and smooth. Keep warm.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Toss in shrimp, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until opaque.
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve shrimp over creamy polenta, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner