Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and spicy shrimp dish seasoned with Cajun spices paired with smooth, creamy polenta for a satisfying Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup medium-grind polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring frequently until creamy and thickened.
  3. Step 3: Stir 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the polenta. Keep warm on low heat.
  4. Step 4: While polenta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight char.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Creamy Polenta?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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