Heart-Healthy Shrimp and Grits

Elevate your Southern comfort food game with this Heart-Healthy Shrimp and Grits recipe, a wholesome twist on the classic American favorite. Featuring succulent, pan-seared shrimp seasoned with a hint of cayenne and black pepper, this dish balances bold flavors with nutritious, low-calorie ingredients like whole grain grits, baby spinach, and red bell peppers. Cooked in low-sodium chicken broth for an added depth of flavor, the creamy grits are topped with a vibrant mix of sautéed vegetables and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Perfect for a light, satisfying dinner, this recipe is both heart-smart and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an all-around winner for health-conscious food lovers seeking to indulge without guilt.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole grain grits
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the whole grain grits and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy.

Step 2

While the grits are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.

Step 4

Add the lemon juice and baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts.

Step 5

In a separate small skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the green onions for about 2 minutes until slightly tender. Set aside.

Step 6

Once the grits are done, remove from heat and stir in the sautéed green onions.

Step 7

To serve, spoon a generous helping of grits onto each plate, and top with the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2018.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1763.1

Total Fat 41.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 885.8mg	0%
Sodium 1808.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 219.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.5g
Protein 139.1g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 358.7mg	0%
Iron 11.9mg	0%
Potassium 2171.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.5%

Protein: 30.8%

Carbs: 48.7%