
Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce: Bold Southern Comfort
Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is a dish that blends coastal seafood freshness with classic Southern comfort. Juicy red snapper fillets, buttery shrimp, and creamy, cheesy grits come together under a smoky-spicy Cajun cream sauce for a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to bring Southern soul to the table, Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits is a hearty seafood dish that celebrates bold flavors and comforting textures.
Flavorful and Hearty: Your New Favorite Southern Seafood Dish
This Red Snapper and Shrimp over Grits recipe captures everything people love about Southern cuisine — tender fish, succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and a sauce with just the right kick.
The Cajun seasoning adds heat and smokiness, while the cream and cheese balance it out with indulgent richness. Each bite offers layers of flavor that feel like pure comfort food.
Here’s how to bring this coastal classic into your kitchen, with pro tips to make it perfect every time.
Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits
- Season Generously: Cajun seasoning brings bold flavor — don’t be shy with it.
- Creamy Grits: Cook grits low and slow for the smoothest texture.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They only need 2–3 minutes per side.
- Sear the Snapper Skin: A hot skillet ensures crispy skin and tender flesh.
- Add Fresh Garnish: Chopped parsley or chives add freshness to the richness.

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
Equipment: Saucepan, skillet, whisk, spatula
With this method, your kitchen becomes a Southern bistro, serving Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce that’s hearty, comforting, and restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Grits: In a saucepan, bring water and 1/2 cup cream to a boil. Add grits and reduce heat, stirring until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, then season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Snapper: Pat fillets dry. Season generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear snapper 3–4 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from pan.
- Make the Sauce: Add garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and remaining cream, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon creamy grits onto plates. Top with snapper fillets and shrimp. Pour Cajun cream sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Ready to Relish!
This Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce is bold, comforting, and packed with Southern flavor. The creamy grits, spicy Cajun seafood, and velvety sauce make it a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress with Southern flair.
Storage Solutions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
- Do Not Freeze: Creamy grits lose their texture when frozen.

Red Snapper, Shrimp & Grits with a Cajun Cream Sauce
A bold Southern comfort dish of red snapper, shrimp, and creamy grits topped with smoky Cajun cream sauce. Flavorful, hearty, and unforgettable.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook grits with water, cream, and cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Season snapper with Cajun seasoning. Sear in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Cook shrimp in butter until pink; set aside.
- Add garlic, broth, and cream to skillet; simmer until sauce thickens.
- Plate grits, top with snapper and shrimp, and pour sauce over. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes