Name: Bruschetta Shrimp Polenta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta or coarse cornmeal; 4 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken); 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste); 2 tbsp butter or olive oil; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Description

A comforting yet elegant casserole layering creamy polenta with garlicky shrimp and blistered cherry tomatoes, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup polenta or coarse cornmeal
4 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)
1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes until thick.
Stir in 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the polenta into an oiled 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp.
Add halved cherry tomatoes to the same skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until blistered. Stir in chopped basil.
Scatter shrimp over the polenta, followed by the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with more Parmesan if desired.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil and olive oil if desired.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Creamy polenta can be made ahead and reheated before assembly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Bruschetta, shrimp, polenta casserole, Italian, comfort food