Description
This Shrimp and Polenta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce is a cozy, flavorful meal combining creamy Parmesan polenta with garlicky shrimp and a bright, sweet tomato sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they burst and become juicy.
- Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring often, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Once polenta is thickened, stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.
- To serve, spoon polenta into bowls, top with shrimp and roasted cherry tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking polenta for a faster version of this dish.
- Add a splash of white wine to the shrimp for extra flavor.
- Swap Parmesan for a different hard cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
