Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Ingredients

 

For the Creamy Stone-Ground Grits

• 1 cup stone-ground grits

• 4 cups chicken stock

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

 

For the Cajun Shrimp & Sausage

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

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For the Cajun Cream Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Garnish

• Sliced green onions

• Fresh parsley

• Extra Cajun seasoning for finishing

 

Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare the Grits

1. Bring chicken stock to a boil.

2. Slowly whisk in grits.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Stir in butter, cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add sausage and cook until browned.

3. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Season & Sear the Shrimp

1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.

2. Add butter to the skillet.

3. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked.

4. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Cajun Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.

3. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened.

4. Add garlic, tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne.

5. Cook 1 minute.

6. Pour in chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce.

7. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

8. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Return sausage to the skillet.

2. Add shrimp back in and gently toss.

3. Simmer 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.

4. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Plate

1. Spoon creamy grits into a shallow bowl.

2. Ladle Cajun shrimp and sausage mixture over the top.

3. Garnish with green onions and parsley.

4. Finish with a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

 

 

Chef's Notes

For the deep orange color shown in the photo:

• Use a quality Cajun seasoning with paprika as the primary ingredient.

• Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and a splash of shrimp stock.

• Finish with a tablespoon of butter for a glossy restaurant-style sauce.