If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe. It combines the rich, velvety texture of creamy polenta with perfectly seasoned, sautéed shrimp that burst with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with something special, this recipe hits the sweet spot of comfort and sophistication without any fuss. The balance of buttery polenta and garlicky shrimp makes every bite a celebration of simple, hearty ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are genuinely straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each component adds its unique magic, from the creamy base to the savory shrimp topping.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensures tender, juicy bites that carry all the seasoning perfectly.
- 1 cup coarse polenta (cornmeal): The foundation of this dish, providing a creamy, slightly grainy texture that is unbelievably satisfying.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and savory richness, making the polenta flavorful and comforting.
- 1 cup milk or cream: For that luscious, creamy consistency you crave in every spoonful of polenta.
- 3 tbsp butter (divided): Butter brings creaminess to the polenta and helps beautifully brown the shrimp.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic imparts a punch of aroma and taste, perfect for sautéing with shrimp.
- 1 tsp paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that elevates the shrimp seasoning wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and boost all flavors in the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness and beautiful color contrast.
- Olive oil (for marinating): Helps the shrimp absorb seasonings and prevents sticking during cooking.
How to Make Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
First things first, toss your shrimp in olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade ensures that each shrimp absorbs the smoky spice and seasoning, making every bite crave-worthy. Let it sit while you prepare the polenta so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Polenta
Bring the chicken broth and milk to a gentle boil in a medium pot. Slowly whisk in the coarse polenta, which helps prevent lumps and guarantees creaminess. Lower the heat and stir frequently for 25 to 30 minutes; this patience pays off with a smooth, thickened base that’s rich and comforting. Stir in two tablespoons of butter and season with salt to heighten the creaminess and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
While the polenta is doing its thing, melt a tablespoon of butter in a hot skillet. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing that irresistible aroma. Add your seasoned shrimp and sauté them for two to three minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking ensures shrimp stay tender and juicy without losing their delicate texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, nestle the garlic butter shrimp on top, and drizzle over any luscious pan juices from the skillet. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Your Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The magic finishing touches make all the difference here. Fresh parsley adds a pop of green that brightens the dish, while a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can add zest and complexity. If you want a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes turns up the excitement without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and fresh with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or opt for roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. They provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of color that pairs beautifully with the creamy and tender textures of the polenta and shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this polenta in individual shallow bowls or rustic ramekins for a cozy, elegant presentation. You can also layer the shrimp and polenta in a baking dish, then broil briefly to get a golden, bubbly top before garnishing. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The polenta may thicken upon standing, but it’s easy to loosen up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind the texture of polenta changes after freezing. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of milk or broth to restore creaminess and stir frequently to prevent sticking. For shrimp, it’s best to reheat just until warmed through to avoid rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant polenta for this Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe?
Instant polenta cooks much faster, but it has a different texture that’s less creamy and more uniform. You can use it if you’re short on time, but the slow-cooked coarse polenta makes the dish truly special.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, work great. Medium to large size shrimp help maintain a satisfying texture and are easy to sauté evenly.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this dish?
Absolutely! Swap out the milk or cream for coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The flavor may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili when seasoning the shrimp, or top off the finished dish with crushed red pepper flakes for a nice kick.
How long does the polenta take to cook?
Traditional coarse polenta usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes to cook until creamy, with frequent stirring. It may take less time if your polenta is finely ground.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of elegance to your table. I encourage you to give it a try and savor how straightforward ingredients can create such a memorable dish. Trust me, this one will become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp recipe combines tender sautéed shrimp with smooth, buttery polenta for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish features seasoned shrimp cooked in garlic butter paired with rich and creamy polenta made from chicken broth, milk, and butter. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish delivers a delightful balance of textures and savory flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil, for marinating
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
Polenta
- 1 cup coarse polenta (cornmeal)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a boil. Gradually whisk in the coarse polenta to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes until the polenta thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and add salt to taste to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the creamy polenta into serving bowls. Top each serving with the sautéed shrimp and drizzle with any pan juices from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use coarse polenta for best creamy texture; fine polenta may become gluey.
- For a richer polenta, substitute milk with heavy cream or a mix of both.
- Adjust paprika amount to control spice level or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version (omit shrimp or use plant-based shrimp if vegan).
- Serve immediately for best texture, as polenta thickens upon standing.
