Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes

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

A comforting twist on classic shrimp and grits featuring stone-ground grits cooked in a rich herb-infused cream sauce with garlic and lemon, topped with pan-seared shrimp for a cozy weeknight meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan, whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and creamy.
  2. Step 2: While grits cook, season shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden and opaque; remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped chives. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir cooked grits into the sauce until fully combined. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently fold in, cooking for 1 minute more until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes?

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 Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Creamy Herb Shrimp & Grits in 20 Minutes?

American one pot 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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