CHEESY CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS

Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits image

I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago I moved to Pennsylvania, where good Southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created these creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits to remind me of home. -Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

8 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, cubed
8 bacon strips, chopped
2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and butter until melted; keep warm., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir shrimp in bacon drippings until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and parsley., Divide grits among 8 serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture and the bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560 calories, Fat 34g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 215mg cholesterol, Sodium 968mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 32g protein.