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Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta…a delicious bowl of late summer comfort food. This simple brown butter corn and parmesan polenta is creamy, perfectly buttery, and swirled with sweet corn. The shrimp is cooked in butter with spices and garlic, then finished with lemon…so flavorful and delicious! Especially when spooned over bowls of creamy polenta. A great under 30 minutes dinner.
Sometimes recipes are just a little more special. They might be more delicious, simpler to prepare, or just prettier. And while I know this shrimp might not seem oh so special or better than any other shrimp, I promise you it’s delicious.
Extra special as I love to say.
The only reason this recipe came to be is simple. My brother Red and his girlfriend, Hailey, are in town for the week. Whenever I have brothers in town I usually try to make something they love. But Red and Hails are even more fun because they’re down to try pretty much anything, and they love seafood.
I love cooking for others, so I used these two as a good excuse to make something they’d love. Since Hailey is really into shrimp I started with that, then built this quick recipe.
It’s spicy shrimp in a crazy delicious lemon butter sauce with creamy polenta.
You need lots of corn, butter, and quick cooking polenta.
Start by cooking the butter and corn together until the butter browns and the corn begins to pop. Stir in a little milk and then the polenta.
The key here is to stir the polenta for five minutes until it gets creamy, then cover, and let it sit while you make the shrimp.
Once the polenta has been sitting for a bit, stir in lots and lots of parmesan cheese.
It’s pan seared in butter with cajun seasonings until both sides are browned. I love to make my own homemade cajun spice mix, but if you’re in a pinch, store bought works too.
When the shrimp has crisped, add the garlic and fresh thyme. Then remove the shrimp from the heat and add the lemon juice. It takes maybe five or ten minutes from start to finish – tops.
Simple, but so much flavor from all the spices, garlic, and lemony butter pan sauce.
Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls, then spoon the shrimp and sauce overtop. I top with lots of fresh basil, and serve with crusty bread and a big arugula salad from the garden.
So quick and simple – so delicious.
The shrimp is definitely the star here, but it really can’t be the star without it’s supporting actor, the polenta. So be sure to make them both. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Looking for other shrimp recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Honey Garlic Shrimp, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Salad
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Lastly, if you make this Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Delicious! Can’t recommend enough! Recipe doesn’t need a single change.
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Great recipe! Everyone was happy with dinner tonight. Highly recommend!!
Def will make this again, loved the polenta
Hi Chelsea! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad you enjoyed it! xTieghan
Such a great recipe! We just finished dinner and it won rave reviews from everyone!
Hi there! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂 xTieghan
The family LOVED this, even the kids. I left out the cayenne and just added jalapenos to my portion to spice it up. I used the ready to eat polenta because that is all I could find at our grocery store.
Since I’ll be using frozen corn how many cups do you recommend to be a similar amount as 3 ears?
WOW, this was totally fantastic and so easy!! We served it with a really simple side of asparagus. Hubby thought the polenta was the star of the show. I’ve already decided to make this next time we have guests over. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Emily,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you so much for making it! xTieghan
We made this last night, and it was delicious! We added chopped jalapeños to the polenta for a little extra kick. Leftovers for lunch today were just as amazing!
Hey Tara,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
Question! How many people are you using to get to a total prep time of 10 minutes and cook time of 15 minutes? Seriously though… this recipe is killer!
Hey Joe,
Awesome! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! Sorry this took you longer than expected! xTieghan
Made this tonight! It was great! Hubby loved it! Served simple sliced Jersey tomatoes with a little olive oil and balsamic on the side.
Hey Laura,
Happy Monday! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
This looks sooo great and I cannot wait to try it! I did want to ask about the polenta though. Is that 2 cups water and 2 cups milk added?
Hey Divya,
Yes, that is correct. I hope the recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Haven’t made this yet… though I’m sure it wouldn’t be as tasty could I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Hey Cindy,
Yes, frozen corn would be just fine to use. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious!
Hey Stephanie,
Awesome! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and truly appreciate you giving it a try! xTieghan
Will raw frozen shrimp work for this recipe? Excited to try it tonight!
Hey Michelle,
You will want to thaw the shrimp first. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
So good!!!! Made this tonight for my family. My husband and I loved it. Kids don’t eat polenta too often so we’re a little unsure but I will def be making again- prob with a side of green beans.
Hey Michelle,
Thanks a lot for trying out this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed and hope you have the best week! xTieghan