Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food mashup that'll make your dinner guests swoon! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of Southern-style grits meeting the bold, herbaceous flavors of Italian pesto, all topped with perfectly seared, succulent shrimp. This Pesto Shrimp and Grits recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that bridges two incredible cuisines in one mouthwatering dish. Whether you're a seafood lover, a grits enthusiast, or simply someone who craves extraordinary flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern/Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the grits. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits, reducing the heat to low. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are thick and creamy, stirring occasionally.
- While the grits are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of pesto, making sure the shrimp are well-coated with the sauce. Set aside.
- When the grits are finished cooking, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of the cheesy grits onto each plate. Top with the pesto shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with chopped basil for a fresh touch and additional flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Pesto Shrimp and Grits, a delightful fusion of Southern and Italian cuisines!
Tips
- Grits Perfection: Whisk continuously while adding grits to prevent lumps and achieve that silky smooth texture.
- Shrimp Cooking Hack: Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly—this means they're perfectly cooked. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Pesto Pro Tip: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor. If using store-bought, choose one with bright green color and fresh ingredients.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Garnish Game: Fresh basil is key! Chop it right before serving to maintain its bright flavor and aroma.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the grits and pesto shrimp separately in advance and quickly reheat before serving.
- Customize Your Dish: Try different types of pesto like sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 552kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 37g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 195mg
