Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

Name: Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined); 8 oz Andouille sausage (sliced); 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 2 green onions (chopped)

By Elisa Levine

March 29, 2025

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The moment you take a bite of Cajun shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage, the explosion of flavors dances on your taste buds like a jazz band at Mardi Gras. The creamy, buttery grits cradle the perfectly cooked shrimp, while the spicy sausage adds a zesty kick that makes your heart sing. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that might just attract neighbors hoping for an invitation.

This dish brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone competes to see who can handle the heat. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or an extravagant dinner party, Cajun shrimp and grits are sure to impress your guests and create unforgettable moments around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect even for busy weeknights
The flavor profile is a delightful blend of spicy, smoky, and creamy that will tantalize your taste buds
Visually, the vibrant colors of the shrimp and sausage against the creamy grits are stunning and sure to wow your guests
Versatile enough for any occasion, this dish works well as a main course or as part of a larger spread

I remember one time I made this dish for my friends during a game night, and their eyes lit up with every bite. They were so enchanted that they forgot all about cheering for their favorite team

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
Andouille Sausage: Look for high-quality sausage to bring out that signature smoky flavor.
Grits: Choose stone-ground grits for the best texture they cook up beautifully creamy.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for rich flavor without excess salt it’s essential in making creamy grits.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out aromatic goodness minced garlic adds depth to the entire dish.
Cajun Seasoning: A good blend elevates flavors you can always adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color chop them finely for garnish.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for cooking grits to enhance flavor without overpowering saltiness.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing those grits: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in stone-ground grits while stirring continuously until smooth. Lower heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until creamy, stirring occasionally.

While those grits are cooking away like magic, sauté the Andouille sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add sliced sausage. Cook until browned and crispy about 5-7 minutes letting those flavors seep into the pan.

Next comes our star: Add minced garlic to the skillet with sausage. Sauté until fragrant about 1 minute but don’t let it burn burnt garlic is sad garlic

Now add shrimp into that flavorful mix: Toss them into the skillet with Cajun seasoning, stirring constantly until they turn pink roughly 3-4 minutes should do it. Oh boy, are we getting close

Once everything is harmoniously combined, fold in butter into your cooked grits: Stir well until melted and creamy. This is where we get that dreamy texture everyone loves

Serve generously: Spoon grits onto plates and top with your succulent shrimp and Andouille mixture. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for color and an extra pop of flavor.

And there you have it Your Cajun shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every mouthful of this comforting Southern classic

You Must Know

Cajun shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage is all about bold flavors
The smoky sausage elevates the dish, while creamy grits provide a comforting base
This recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings, making everyone feel right at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the grits first to let them thicken while you sauté the shrimp and sausage. This flow ensures everything comes together perfectly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap Andouille sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Adding a splash of hot sauce can kick up the flavor

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain the creamy texture of the grits.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use fresh shrimp for maximum flavor frozen may lack that sweet taste
Stirring in some cheese enhances creaminess, making the dish even more indulgent
Don’t rush cooking let the sausage brown properly for great depth of flavor

The first time I made Cajun shrimp and grits was at a potluck, and everyone raved about it, leaving me feeling like a culinary rock star

FAQs

FAQ

What type of grits should I use for Cajun shrimp and grits?

Use stone-ground or quick-cooking grits for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish without Andouille sausage?

Absolutely Substitute with any preferred smoked sausage or even omit it entirely.

How can I make my grits creamier?

Incorporating heavy cream or butter into your grits achieves an irresistibly creamy consistency.

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