This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This spicy shrimp over creamy polenta is perfectly spiced and full of smoky flavor. Made with fresh shrimp, spicy tomatoes, and creamy cheesy polenta.
There is nothing more I love than an easy dinner that is packed full of flavor.
That is where this spicy shrimp over creamy polenta comes into play.
It’s easy, PACKED full of flavor, and the heat levels can 100% be adjusted depending on your love (or dislike) of spicy food.
I really like using extra-large shrimp for this recipe because I think it makes it look fancy and gives you a good serving of shrimp per serving.
This dish is super cozy and the creamy cheesy polenta is something that never gets old. It’s so good.
Trust me, if you’re looking to really elevate your weekday meal planning this recipe gives you all the flavor without all the work.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! But you’ll want to be sure to still buy raw frozen shrimp.
If you buy pre-cooked frozen shrimp the shrimp will end up becoming rubbery if you try to heat it up.
I usually get fresh deveined and deshelled shrimp from the seafood department but I have made this recipe several times using raw frozen shrimp.
Do defrost you’ll want to put the shrimp in a bowl with cold water until defrosted.
What are Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel tomatoes are canned diced tomatoes that pack a little heat by including diced fire-roasted green chiles.
They are typically found in the tomato aisle and comes in original, hot (with added habanero peppers) and no salt added.
If you’re looking to add more heat try the habanero variety.
Also, Rotel tomatoes come in 10-ounce cans which are slightly smaller than the usual 14-ounce cans plain diced tomatoes come in.
If you cannot find Rotel tomatoes I recommend substituting with regular diced tomatoes and a can of diced green chiles.
You’ll end up with a little more of the tomato mixture but it will still taste delicious.
Can I use a different type of protein?
While I personally love the shrimp in this recipe it could easily be replaced by chicken, scallops, or even white fish.
Just make sure whatever protein you pick it will pair nicely with cheesy polenta and spicy tomatoes.
Love this spicy shrimp over creamy polenta recipe?
Why not try a few of my other delicious shrimp recipes!
- Chipotle Shrimp Fajita Bowls
- Spicy Garlic Cilantro Shrimp
- Pasta with Shrimp and Feta
- Spicy Shrimp Egg Roll Skillet
- Shrimp Couscous Packets with Avocado Mango Salsa
- Garlic Shrimp Pesto Zoodles
- Crispy Shrimp Fried Rice
- Herbed Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Asian Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
- Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Shrimp Tacos with Apple Pomegranate Salsa
Spicy Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta
Ingredients
For shrimp:
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
For tomato mixture:
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
For polenta:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup course grain polenta
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
For shrimp:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl add shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Toss together until all the shrimp are coated.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook until the shrimp turn pink and remove from the heat.
- Place shrimp on a plate and wipe out the skillet.
- The shrimp will also be warmed when added to the tomato mixture so keep that in mind when cooking the shrimp. It’s ok for them to be slightly undercooked.
For tomato mixture:
- In the skillet you cooked your shrimp (and wiped clean) add both can Rotel tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, and kosher salt to taste.
- Cook on medium heat until the mixture is hot.
- Add in shrimp, lower heat to low, and keep covered while you prepare polenta.
For polenta:
- In a large high-sided skillet set over medium-high heat add water and milk.
- Bring to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta.
- Once all the polenta has been added turn the heat down to low and slowly whisk until thick. On my stove, this takes about 7 minutes.
- Once creamy and cooked remove from heat and stir in butter, cheese, and salt.
- Add polenta to the bottom of a bowl and top with tomatoes and shrimp.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m sorry I couldn’t focus on the writing after I was hypnotized by the photos. Swoon!
This looks fabulous! I’m not sure what the difference is between grits and polenta but I’m pretty sure there is one haha. I think they are made with different parts of corn.
Oh my …. this looks soooo good!!
I had a super early breakfast and am now ready for lunch…wow! This looks fabulous!!
Ok, this seriously looks amazing!!! I am making it ASAP!
You cook my love food. Was that weird? Sorry. I just really want this polenta.
Are grits just polenta with more butter? Because that’s how I always feel when I’m eating them. Though I could be wrong.
I want to lick this bowl clean.
Oh my deliciousness!!!!! This dish is simply fantastic! Thank you for this! Zero leftovers.
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for coming back and letting me know 🙂
Am I missing how many servings this makes?
Hi MsRyan! The serving size is 4. I added that to the recipe 🙂 Thank you and I hope you enjoy!
Very good! I used mild Rotel tomatoes, and I’m glad I did–original would have been way too hot for our tastes! I’m wondering, too, if I might only use one can next time instead of two, as I will end up tossing lots of tomatoes. The shrimp was absolutely delicious, and goes perfectly with the polenta. This was the first time I’ve made polenta myself, and it was easy and delicious. Good stuff–thank you!
Hi MrsT! Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the recipe. I usually add a lot of tomatoes b/c I’m obsessed with tomatoes but this recipe is super simple to adapt so I’m glad it worked out well for you. Have a great weekend!