Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

Imagine a steaming bowl of Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage, where the shrimp dance in a spicy, creamy sauce while the grits offer a comforting embrace. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your taste buds as you anticipate each flavorful bite. This dish is not just a meal it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Louisiana.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a bustling New Orleans café. It was the perfect meal for a cozy Sunday dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last bite.

I vividly recall cooking this dish on a rainy Saturday evening my friends couldn’t stop raving about it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
• Andouille Sausage: This smoky sausage adds depth and flavor look for quality brands in your local grocery store.
• Grits: Use stone-ground grits for creaminess avoid instant ones if you want that authentic texture.
• Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth enhances the richness of the dish low-sodium options help control salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to your sauce feel free to use half-and-half if you’re watching calories.
• Cajun Seasoning: A homemade blend of spices brings vibrant flavors adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add color and brightness save some for garnish
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth minced garlic works best for even distribution in flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the overall taste and balances the richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Grits: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits until smooth, reducing heat to low. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently for about 15-20 minutes.

Sauté the Sausage and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 1 pound of shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning and sauté until pink and opaque.

Add Aromatics and Creaminess: Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds then pour in 1 cup heavy cream along with a splash of lemon juice. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve: Once grits are creamy and cooked through, stir in some green onions before plating. Spoon grits into bowls topped generously with your shrimp mixture.

Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage hot while feeling all those cozy vibes wrap around you like an old blanket

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the grits first to achieve that creamy consistency. While grits simmer, sear the shrimp and sausage in a separate pan. This ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out Andouille sausage for chorizo or omit it entirely for a lighter dish. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the grits creamy.

Sharing this dish at my family gathering was unforgettable everyone went back for seconds, and I felt like a culinary rockstar

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage?

Yes, but fresh shrimp will provide better texture and flavor.

What type of grits should I use?

Use stone-ground or quick-cooking grits for the best results in this recipe.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add more Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.

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Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

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Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage is a vibrant, soul-warming dish that transports you straight to Louisiana. This comforting meal features succulent shrimp simmered in a spicy, creamy sauce, served atop rich and creamy stone-ground grits. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the grits; reduce heat to low and cook for about 15-20 minutes until thickened.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sliced Andouille sausage until browned (about 5 minutes). Add shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook until pink and opaque.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add heavy cream and lemon juice; simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine cooked grits with chopped green onions before plating. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or omit sausage entirely. - To customize spice levels, adjust Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños. - To keep grits creamy when reheating leftovers, add a splash of water.