Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Cheese Grits

This is one of those meals that is great for when you've forgotten to thaw some meat for dinner, or if your plans for dinner fall through otherwise. Shrimp and grits is quick, relatively simple, and very filling. A week or so ago, some girlfriends and I went out to eat at a restaurant a couple miles from my house and we ordered an appetizer of shrimp and grits. They, of course, made this a lot fancier than I typically do, but the meal had been on my mind nearly everyday until I finally gave in and made it tonight.

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp and Cheese Grits 

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of quick instant grits
4 cups of water

1/2 cup of Velveeta cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
4 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of black pepper

For the shimp:

2 cups of frozen, already cooked shrimp thawed
3 tbsp of melted butter or margarine
2 tbsp of garlic powder
1 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of salt
1/4 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp of Italian seasoning 
1 shake of red pepper
3 tbsp of parmesan cheese

In the sink, place your shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for five minutes or until thawed. Set aside. *I did not pull the tails off of my shrimp before I cooked them, but next time I would, it just makes for an easier meal.

Follow the package directions of instant grits and cook them in a large bowl in the microwave. When they stir thick, add butter and Velveeta cheese. Cook again for 2 minutes, then stir mixture until the butter and cheese is completely melted. Add shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, stir well.

In a fry pan, melt butter completely in the pan. Combine your seasonings, minus the parmesan cheese, into the pan and stir. Add shrimp and mixed well, constantly stirring. As the shrimp begin to cook, alternate turning down the temperature on the stove eye with adding the parmesan cheese until the butter clings more to the shrimp and lessens boiling in the pan. Shrimp is done cooking when there is almost no liquid in the pan.

Grab a plate or bowl, and cover the bottom with the grits, top with shrimp.

Enjoy!