Print

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta is a restaurant-worthy meal made in just 25 minutes. Juicy Cajun-spiced shrimp are seared in garlic butter and finished with lemon and basil, then served over creamy Parmesan corn polenta for an elegant yet easy dish.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Corn Polenta:

2 tablespoons salted butter

Kernels from 3 ears corn

2 cups milk

1 cup dry polenta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons salted butter

1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

Juice from 1 lemon

1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Optional Homemade Cajun Seasoning (makes 3/4 cup): 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the polenta: In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook 5–8 minutes until slightly browned. Add 2 cups water and milk, bring to a boil, and slowly whisk in polenta. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add butter, shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and pepper. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp. Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and basil.
  3. Assemble: Spoon polenta into bowls and top with shrimp and pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use scallops, salmon, or chicken instead of shrimp for variety.
  • Add extra cayenne or chili flakes for more spice.
  • Try pecorino, gouda, or asiago instead of Parmesan.
  • Vegetarian option: top polenta with mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables.
  • For richer polenta, stir in a splash of cream at the end.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/spicy-garlic-lemon-butter-shrimp-with-parmesan-corn-polenta/