What happens when you want shrimp and grits, but you also want shrimp scampi? This Creamy Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes is a tasty combination of two southern and Italian classics and is 100% delicious. Equally comforting and light the best part about this Creamy Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes is quick to make and ready in under 30 minutes.
What is Polenta?
Originating in Northern Italy polenta is made from coarsely ground cornmeal. Polenta is typically prepared with water or broth and can be served as a creamy porridge or baked into a firmer consistency and cut into squares. Polenta is often topped with marinara or ragu but can be a great base for any sauce.
Since polenta is basically the Italian version of grits I thought that shrimp would be a natural fit. I also had a jar of marinated artichokes I wanted to use and their herbaceous notes add a hit of Mediterranean flavors that pair perfectly with shrimp. Add in some brightness from the lemon juice and a couple cloves of garlic (because garlic makes everything better ).
How to Make Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes
Even though this dish has a few components it comes together fairly quickly. I start by heating up the water and milk for the polenta. While this is coming up to a boil I take this time to prep the ingredients for the shrimp; mincing the garlic, juicing the lemon and chopping the artichokes. By the time I’m done with the prep it’s time to add the polenta to the milk and water, slowly stirring in the cornmeal until everything is incorporated and there are no lumps. Add in the cream cheese and salt and then set everything aside to work on the shrimp.
Working in a large skillet the the shrimp comes together super quick. Heat up the olive oil and sizzle up the garlic; then add the shrimp, herbed artichokes and lemon juice. Everything cooks together for a few minutes and dinner is done.
If you make this Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Creamy Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Artichokes
Ingredients
Polenta
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup polenta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
Shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 oz marinated artichokes drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
To Make The Polenta
- In a medium saucepan bring water and milk to a boil. Add the polenta and stir until it reaches a thick, creamy texture. Stir in the the salt and cream cheese.
To Make the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp, lemon juice and artichokes to pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
To Serve
- Divide polenta among 4 plates and top with shrimp and artichoke mixture.
Scarlet says
What a great combination of flavors. I love the full Italian meal. Lemon shrimp and artichokes and polenta, oh my!