Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers! This Spicy Tomato Shrimp with Creamy Polenta is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold, fiery kick of succulent shrimp with the luxuriously smooth comfort of perfectly cooked polenta. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Measure out all other ingredients and have them ready near your cooking station.
- Start polenta preparation: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, reducing heat to low. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming, cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- While polenta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to become hot.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- When polenta reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return shrimp to the tomato sauce, gently tossing to coat and reheat for 1-2 minutes.
- Plate the creamy polenta as a base, top with spicy tomato shrimp, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring the polenta remains creamy and shrimp are perfectly cooked.
Tips
- Shrimp Perfection: Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they sear beautifully and develop a golden color.
- Polenta Pro Tip: Whisk continuously while adding polenta to boiling water to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they're crucial for bringing out the depth of flavors in both the shrimp and polenta.
- Heat Control: When cooking shrimp, use medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. They're done when they turn pink and slightly golden.
- Cream Magic: Adding heavy cream to polenta at the end creates an extra luxurious and rich final dish.
- Fresh Finish: The fresh basil isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
- Timing is Key: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 279kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
