Description
A cozy-meets-elegant dish, this Easy Creamy Polenta & Shrimp recipe brings together buttery, garlicky shrimp and velvety smooth polenta. It’s perfect for both casual weeknights and special dinners, delivering deep flavor and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (or polenta)
- 4 cups water (or 2 cups water + 2 cups milk/broth)
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for finishing)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (or 2 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tbsp broth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for shrimp
Instructions
- Bring water (or water + milk/broth) to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Add salt.
- Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, reduce heat, and stir frequently for 25–30 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter and grated parmesan. Keep warm.
- Meanwhile, pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes or paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan with white wine (or lemon juice/broth combo). Simmer 1 minute.
- Add butter and return shrimp to coat in sauce.
- Spoon polenta onto plates. Top with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley and a splash of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes