Boil the broth – In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

Whisk in the cornmeal – Gradually pour in the yellow cornmeal while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Simmer and stir – Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes until the polenta thickens.

Add butter, cream, and Parmesan – Stir in the butter, heavy cream (or milk), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Season to taste – Add salt and black pepper as needed. If the polenta thickens too much, stir in extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

👉 Tip: Keep whisking the polenta to maintain a smooth, lump-free texture!

Heat the oil or butter – In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and let it warm up.

Sauté the garlic – Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Cook the shrimp – Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in the pan in a single layer.

Season and cook – Squeeze in the lemon juice, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Remove from heat – Set aside while assembling the dish.

👉 Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.

Plate the polenta – Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates or into bowls.

Top with shrimp – Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the polenta. Drizzle any leftover garlicky sauce from the pan over the dish.

Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing, and your dish is ready to be devoured!

✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as well.

✅ Adjust polenta consistency – Add broth or cream if it thickens too much.

✅ Don’t overcook shrimp – They only need 1-2 minutes per side!

✅ For extra depth, deglaze with white wine – Add ¼ cup dry white wine after sautéing the garlic.

Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Spicy: Add Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.

Cheesy Twist: Try Gouda, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese in place of Parmesan.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just check labels on broth and cheese.

Creamier Polenta: Stir in an extra tablespoon of butter before serving.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

Polenta: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency.

Shrimp: Warm in a skillet for 1-2 minutes (avoid microwaving, as it can overcook them).

Freezing: Not recommended—polenta may change texture when frozen.

Pair this dish with:

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy polenta.

Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Grilled Asparagus – Adds a slight crunch and balance.

Wine Pairing: Serve with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Chardonnay.

Can I use instant polenta?

Yes! Instant polenta cooks in about 5 minutes, but traditional polenta has a richer texture.

Can I make polenta ahead of time?

Yes! To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and stir over low heat until creamy again.

How do I prevent polenta from clumping?

Always whisk constantly when adding cornmeal to the boiling liquid.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

Try scallops, chicken, or tofu for a different protein option.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Calories: ~450 kcal

Protein: ~32g

Carbohydrates: ~45g

Fats: ~18g

Saturated Fat: ~6g

Sodium: ~750mg

✔ High-Protein

✔ Gluten-Free

✔ Rich in Calcium & Healthy Fats

This Shrimp Polenta is the perfect mix of comfort food and elegance—a creamy, cheesy base topped with garlicky, lemon-infused shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress!

Try it today and let us know how it turns out!