Spicy Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

The spice of the shrimp meld so well with the cheesy grits. It's like a marriage made in Heaven. This baby has become one of our favorite recipes and it's really easy to prepare too. How cool is that!

I must give Giada complete credit for the Spicy Shrimp recipe. She made it as an appetizer but I had a different idea.  Although I did alter the recipe a tad bit, I just can't control myself. The cheesy grits are my original recipe and also my idea to serve it as main dish. I must say that it is a perfect combo!

      SHRIMP RECIPE

1. 2 lb large shrimp (16-20 ct), peeled and deveined  
2. 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3. 4 tsp Calabrian chili paste
4. 1/2 tsp dried oregano
5. 1/2 tsp kosher salt
6. 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• Prepare shrimp and refrigerate til you are ready to start cooking. I do this part in advance.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Start cooking grits
• Meanwhile, in a bowl mix together oil, chili paste, oregano and salt. Set aside.
• Toss chili paste mixture into shrimp and marinate while oven is pre heating. TIP-Make sure shrimp are patted dry before you marinate.
• Place shrimp mixture on a large, rimmed cookie sheet in a single layer.
• Add Parmesan on top of shrimp in an even layer
• Once oven is preheated cook for 10 minutes or until no longer pick and cooked through.

      CHEESY GRITS RECIPE

1.  2 cups chicken broth
2.  1/2 cup white instant grits
3.  1 cup reduced fat shredded Italian cheese, it can be a blend or just mozzarella
4.  3 oz reduced fat cream cheese
5.  salt & pepper to taste  

• In a medium size sauce pan bring chicken broth to a boil.
• Stir in grits and whisk well with a wire whisk.
• Bring grits to a boil then turn down to low heat and cover, stirring frequently for about 7 to 10 minutes.
• After grits are cooked add cheeses, salt & pepper.
• Stir mixture well until cheese is melted and fully blended in.
• Cover and remove from heat.

Once grits and shrimp are cooked place a nice size serving of grits on plate and top with the shrimp.

I like to serve this with a nice tossed salad or caramelized brussels sprouts.

TIP--- I buy my organic free range chicken broth and Cook cook grits at Aldi, it's a favorite of mine to shop at. You will find the Amore chili paste (3.2 oz tube), in the canned tomato aisle at a well stocked grocery stores. Or you can even buy it from Amazon. The chili paste comes in a tube like 

toothpaste does.