Dinner dilemmas? We’ve all been there, right? Staring into the fridge after a long day, wondering what magic you can possibly whip up without spending hours slaving away. Well, let me tell you, I’ve found the *secret weapon* for those frantic weeknights: quick, absolutely delicious shrimp recipes! Seriously, shrimp cooks up in a flash, and it feels so fancy. It all started for me one chaotic evening, juggling work and family life, when I realized I needed something fast and tasty. I cobbled together a meal with just a few things from my pantry and some lovely shrimp, and BAM! Instant family hit. It was proof that amazing food doesn’t need to be complicated. So, I’ve made it my mission to share recipes that are as easy as they are delightful. Get ready to simplify your dinners with our amazing 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) – because you deserve a tasty meal without the stress! By Jenny Miller – Master of Keto Confectionery Arts
Why You’ll Love These 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
- Lightning Fast: Seriously, dinner is on the table in about 40 minutes, start to finish!
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple steps mean less time fussing and more time enjoying.
- Bursting with Flavor: Don’t let the ‘no fuss’ fool you – this dish is packed with savory goodness.
- Busy Weeknight Hero: Perfect for when you need a delicious meal without the stress.
Gather Your Ingredients for 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For this fantastic shrimp and grits dish, we’re keeping it totally manageable, but trust me, each item plays a starring role. We’ll split our shopping list into two super simple sections: one for the creamy grits and one for the vibrant shrimp topping.
For the Grits:
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: This gives our grits a nice savory base.
- 1 1/2 cups Corn Grits: I really prefer using stone-ground grits if you can find them. They just have this amazing texture and flavor that quick-cooking ones can’t quite match, though those work too in a pinch!
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt: And maybe a little more later, just to taste.
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Because what’s better than cheesy grits?
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: For that rich, smooth finish.
- 1/3 cup Heavy Cream: This is our secret to ultra-creamy grits!
For the Shrimp:
- 1 tablespoon Butter: To get things started in the skillet.
- 1 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced: Adds a nice fresh crunch and color.
- 4 Green Onions, sliced: Both the white and green parts add fantastic flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 2 cups Diced Tomatoes: Use them with their juices for extra sauce!
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning: This is where a lot of our spice and flavor comes from.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: To help create that luscious sauce.
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Our star protein! Make sure they’re ready to go.
- 1-3 dashes Hot Sauce (optional): If you like a little kick, like Tabasco.
- 1 bunch Cilantro, for serving (optional): It adds a lovely freshness.
- 1 Lemon, cut into wedges, for serving (optional): A little squeeze brightens everything up.
Simple Steps for 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, time to get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s super straightforward. We’ll tackle the grits first because they need a little simmer time, and then we’ll whip up the shrimp topping. Easy peasy!
Prepare the Creamy Grits
First things first, grab a big saucepan. Pour in your chicken broth, the corn grits, and that 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir and bring it all up to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and creamy and looks perfectly cooked.
Once those grits are ready, take the pan off the heat. Now for the finishing touches: stir in that sharp cheddar cheese, the butter, and the heavy cream. Keep stirring until everything is melted and wonderfully smooth. Give it a little taste – need more salt? Add it! Cover it up to keep it warm while we make the shrimp.
Cook the Flavorful Shrimp Mixture
Now, grab a skillet and melt that tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced green bell pepper, the sliced green onions, and the minced garlic. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes until the pepper starts to soften up a bit. You want them tender, not mushy! Thinking about other quick shrimp ideas? Check out this Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet for another speedy option.

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (make sure you get all those lovely juices from the can!), the Cajun seasoning, and the 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Let this bubbly mixture cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. This dish is a real winner, sort of like the classic Shrimp and Grits!

Here comes our star! Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for just 3-4 minutes, stirring them around, until they turn pink and are cooked all the way through. Seriously, don’t overcook them! A quick pinch of salt here to taste. If you’re feeling it, splash in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.

Assemble and Serve Your Shrimp Dish
Time to plate it up! Spoon a generous portion of those creamy, cheesy grits into your bowls. Then, pile that delicious shrimp and veggie mixture right on top. Sprinkle with some fresh cilantro if you’re using it – it looks and tastes so fresh. And don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side for a little brightness!

Tips for Success with Your 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but a few little tricks can make this dish absolutely sing! First off, about those grits – stone-ground are the bomb for texture, but if you’re in a super rush, quick-cooking grits are totally fine. Just skip the instant stuff, trust me! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly in cold water and then pat them nice and dry. This really helps them cook up perfectly and not get watery.
When you’re cooking, remember to season *everything* as you go. That’s how you build layers of flavor. Don’t be afraid to add a bit more broth or cream to your grits if they seem too thick, or just let them simmer a bit longer if they’re too thin. And for Pete’s sake, don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook in a blink, and nobody likes rubbery shrimp. You can totally amp up the heat with more hot sauce or cayenne if you’re feeling it, or add a bit more butter for extra richness. For more easy meal ideas, check out all our other recipes!
Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp and Grits
Let’s talk about our stars here: shrimp and grits! Shrimp are just little powerhouses of protein, and they cook up so incredibly fast, which is why they’re my go-to for speedy meals. And grits? Oh, they’re pure comfort food! Did you know that shrimp and grits actually has roots in Native American cuisine and was popularized in the Southern US, evolving over centuries? It’s such a classic pairing because the creamy, hearty grits are the perfect canvas for the bright, zesty shrimp mixture. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions about 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This shrimp recipe is pretty foolproof, but here are a few things people often ask.
Can I use different types of grits?
Absolutely! While I adore stone-ground grits for their texture, they do take a bit longer to cook. Quick-cooking grits are a perfectly fine substitute if you’re really short on time. Just follow their package directions for cooking. Whatever you do, try to steer clear of instant grits, as they tend to get a bit gummy and don’t have that satisfying chew we’re going for here.
How can I make this spicier?
Oh, I love a little heat too! For spicier shrimp, you can definitely add more hot sauce, like Tabasco or even a dash of Sriracha, right at the end. Another trick is to toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper with your Cajun seasoning when you’re cooking the shrimp mixture. You could even mince up a fresh jalapeño and sauté it with the garlic for an extra layer of spice!
What are good side dishes for this recipe?
This shrimp and grits is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, think fresh and light! A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette would be fantastic. Or, if you want to lean into the comfort food vibe, some steamed green beans or even a quick skillet corn with honey butter would be delicious. We’ve got tons of ideas over at our side dish collection!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you totally can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking. The easiest way is to pop them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes until they’re flexible. Drain them really well and pat them dry with a paper towel. This little step helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming in their own water, which is key for great flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Dish
So, you’ve got this amazing shrimp and grits ready to go – fantastic! But what if you want to round out the meal just a little bit more? I love pairing this dish with something that adds a fresh crunch or a little extra comfort. Think about some simple roasted asparagus, or maybe some buttery crack green beans – they’re super addictive! For something a bit more on the veggie side, our easy skillet corn with that honey butter is always a winner and takes just minutes to whip up. Honestly, though, this shrimp and grits is pretty perfect all on its own!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this fantastic shrimp and grits? Lucky you! Let them cool down a bit, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the grits and shrimp mixture together in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. You could also pop it in the microwave, but give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating – you want them just warmed through!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, all the nutritional info here is an estimate, as it can totally change based on the exact ingredients you use and how much you slurp up! This dish is pretty hearty, coming in around 624 calories per serving, with about 39g of protein and 27g of fat. Lots of carbs too, around 57g, mostly from those delicious grits!

25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, combine broth, corn grits, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, bring down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until creamy and cooked through.
- Once the grits are done, remove them from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Cover to keep warm.
- In a skillet, melt the butter. Add the bell pepper, green onions, and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through. Season with salt to taste.
- Spoon the grits into bowls, top with the shrimp mixture, and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with hot sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.
