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shrimp and polenta

Shrimp and Polenta Recipe

Creamy Cajun shrimp and polenta made in about 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp in a buttery lemon sauce served over rich, cheesy polenta—an easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 729kcal
Author: Ruth Truett

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4-6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning recipe below or use your favorite
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay
  • 1 bunch green onions, diced whites and greens separated
  • juice of 1 lemon half for the Cajun lemon butter, half for the polenta
  • 1 9.2 oz box instant polenta
  • 4½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup parmesan, grated
  • 2 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Cajun Lemon Butter

  • 2 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • juice of half of the lemon from above

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Cook the shrimp. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and Old Bay. Add to the skillet with the white parts of the green onions and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
  • Make the polenta. Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot. Slowly whisk in the polenta to prevent clumps. Cook for about 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan until smooth. Add the juice of half the lemon and stir to combine.
  • Assemble. Spoon the polenta into bowls and top with the shrimp. Sprinkle with the cooked bacon and green onion tops. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Make the sauce & finish. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Stir in Cajun seasoning and the remaining lemon juice. Spoon over the shrimp and polenta and serve.

Notes

Cajun Seasoning Recipe
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 729kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 268mg | Sodium: 853mg | Potassium: 766mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1292IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 338mg | Iron: 2mg
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