Creamy Shrimp Risotto: Seaside Comfort in a Bowl

Craving a comforting shrimp risotto recipe? This creamy, flavorful dish is easier than you think! Get my tips for a perfectly cooked, delicious seaside-inspired risotto. ... Pasta - Risotto
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that fancy restaurant feel at home? This shrimp risotto recipe nails it. It’s surprisingly easy and has that incredible creamy, garlicky, seaside flavour. You know, that "wow" factor.
Brief Overview
Risotto, traditionally from italy, is all about slowly coaxing out the rice's creaminess. this isn't your fast food; it's a mindful cooking experience.
The recipe serves 4, is considered medium in difficulty, and it is very important to allow roughly 55 minutes from start to finish.
Main Benefits
This seafood risotto recipe is packed with protein, thanks to the shrimp. it's perfect for a cosy night or a slightly impressive dinner party with your friends! honestly? what makes this creamy shrimp risotto so special is the freshness and simplicity.
This recipe is the best shrimp risotto recipe that i have ever done, and my family said the same.
Alright, let’s dive into what you’ll need.
Creamy Shrimp Risotto: Seaside Comfort in a Bowl Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Gathering Your Seaside Treasures: Ingredients
Okay, so before we get going, let’s talk ingredients. Don't skimp. Quality makes a difference here.
- The Shrimp Squad: 1 pound (450g) of big shrimp, peeled and deveined. Go for fresh if you can!
- Aromatics: Olive oil (good quality, please!), garlic (one clove for the shrimp, two for the risotto), one small onion.
- Risotto Essentials: 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth (trust me, low sodium is key!), 1 1/2 cups (300g) Arborio rice, and 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine – Sauvignon Blanc works great.
- Creamy Goodness: 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese, two tablespoons (30g) butter.
- Finishing Touches: Fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Red pepper flakes are cool if you want a little kick.
Don’t stress if you are missing the white wine, you could always try using a rice wine, or just a splash of extra chicken broth!

Equipment You’ll Need
No need to overcomplicate things. A large pot is key. You'll also need a skillet for the shrimp, a ladle for the broth, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? we're tackling ingredients for a stonking shrimp risotto recipe . honestly, it's not as scary as some might think.
Trust me, if i can do it after a long day wrestling with spreadsheets, you definitely can.
Ingredients & Equipment
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't worry, I'll point out the bits where you can be a bit posh and those where you can be a bit "that'll do".
Main Ingredients
Alright, here's the breakdown of the essentials:
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) , peeled and deveined. Look for firm shrimp, with a good, fresh, sea-like smell. If they smell a bit off , bin 'em. No one wants a dodgy tummy.
- Arborio Rice: 1 1/2 cups (300g) . This is the star, so no skimping. It has to be Arborio for that creamy risotto texture.
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
- White Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) . A dry one like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The sort you'd happily drink while cooking. Don't use anything you wouldn't touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) , grated. Plus more for serving. Get a proper block and grate it yourself. The pre-grated stuff just doesn't melt the same, you know?
Seasoning Notes
- Garlic & Onion: These are your base flavour heroes. Don't be shy.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is crucial! Taste as you go.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a nice kick. Just a pinch, mind you.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley at the end brightens everything up.
Want a twist on the standard? why not try a lemon risotto with shrimp ? zest and a squeeze of lemon does wonders! i've also experimented with a garlic shrimp risotto and it's blooming fantastic.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy shrimp risotto recipe . Keep it simple.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Something heavy-bottomed to distribute the heat evenly.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the shrimp.
- Ladle: For adding the broth.
- Wooden Spoon: For all that stirring. Honestly, that's it.
Now, about that stirring... you know, there's a saying that the best risotto is made with love... which is just code for "you're gonna be stood there for a while, stirring".
So put on some tunes, pour a glass of that white wine, and enjoy the process. this creamy shrimp risotto is well worth the effort.
Alright, let's dive into how to make this creamy shrimp risotto ! this recipe brings coastal vibes right to your kitchen.
I used to think risotto was way too fancy for me, something for proper restaurants, know what i mean? then i tried this easy shrimp risotto recipe , and honestly? it's totally doable.
Cooking Method: Creamy Shrimp Risotto Bliss
Risotto isn't scary, promise! It just needs a bit of love and attention. Let's break it down.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: Peel and devein that shrimp (about 1 pound). Chop one small onion and two cloves of garlic. Grate half a cup of Parmesan. Having everything ready means a smoother cook!
- Time-saving organization tips: Measure out your 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice and have 6 cups of warm chicken broth ready. Trust me, prepped ingredients are your best mate here.
- Safety reminders: Watch that heat! We don't want burnt garlic; that's just nasty. Don't forget to wash your hands after handling the shrimp, yeah?
Step-by-Step Process: From Humble Rice to Decadent Dish
- Sauté the shrimp with one minced clove of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes in 1 tbsp of olive oil until pink and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Pop them aside.
- Gently warm up those 6 cups of chicken broth in a separate pot. Keep it simmering away.
- Sauté the chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic in 2 tbsp of olive oil in a big pot. You want the onion translucent.
- Toast 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice in the pot for around 2- 3 minutes . Stir it constantly, just until the edges look kinda translucent.
- Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Cook until it's all absorbed, that's important!
- Add the warm broth, one cup at a time. Stir like your life depends on it! Don't add more until each cup is absorbed. Keep going until the rice is creamy. Should take about 20- 25 minutes .
- Stir in that 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp of butter until everything is melted.
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve straight away, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Risotto Game
- Expert technique: Warming the broth is key! It helps the rice cook evenly.
- Common mistake: Don't walk away! Seriously, risotto needs your undivided attention. You can't just whack it on and go watch Eastenders . Stir that rice! The constant stirring releases starch from the rice, creating that creamy texture characteristic of risotto.
- You can easily make a lemon risotto with shrimp . Just add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice along with the parsley!
Honestly, this creamy shrimp risotto recipe is well easy once you get the hang of it. plus, it's so much cheaper than ordering it in a restaurant! give it a whirl and let me know what you think.
It will be the best shrimp risotto recipe you try!.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this amazing shrimp risotto recipe ! honestly, making it is the fun part, but these little tips and tricks will take your creamy shrimp risotto from "good" to "omg, this is the best thing i've ever made!".
Seriously.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Risotto Game
Serving Suggestions: "Come Dine With Me" Vibes
Okay, so you've slaved away making this incredible homemade shrimp risotto , now what? first off, plating matters! a swirl of risotto in a shallow bowl looks super fancy.
Sprinkle with extra risotto lemon parmesan , and a sprig of fresh parsley. you know? for the side, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
To drink, go for a crisp pinot grigio. trust me. you will love this lemon risotto with shrimp .
Storage Tips: Risotto SOS
Right, leftovers. risotto is best fresh, but life happens. if you have some left, refrigerate it asap. pop it into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating? add a splash of broth while you reheat on the hob, stirring constantly, or microwave it in short bursts.
Freezing? not really recommended. risotto changes texture a lot when frozen. but! roll them into balls, bread them and make arancini! waste not, want not, yeah?
Variations: "I'm Feeling Creative" Time
Want to mix things up? instead of plain parsley, try lemon zest for a lemon risotto recipe twist. seriously good with shrimp! or, fancy a bit of heat? a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic shrimp risotto while you're sautéing the garlic is banging! going veggie? use vegetable stock and chuck in some roasted courgette.
Boom!
Nutrition Basics: Food That's Good For You, Too
Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but this easy shrimp risotto recipe is pretty decent on the nutrition front. the shrimp is packed with protein, which is great for building muscles.
The rice gives you energy, and parmesan provides calcium. just watch the amount of butter and cheese if you're being super health-conscious.
But honestly, sometimes you just need a bowl of comfort food. that's where our best shrimp risotto recipe comes in!
So there you have it. all you need to know. get in the kitchen and give this amazing shrimp risotto recipes easy a try! you've got this! don't be shy to experiment and make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rice is best for this shrimp risotto recipe, and can I use any other kind?
Arborio rice is the gold standard for risotto! Its high starch content is what gives risotto that lovely, creamy texture. While you can technically use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli, Arborio is the most readily available. Don't try using long-grain rice like Basmati, though – you won't get the same results. It'll be more like rice swimming in sauce, rather than proper risotto. A bit like putting gravy on rice, never the best option.
How do I prevent my shrimp risotto from becoming gluey or mushy?
The key is all in the stirring and broth addition. Stir frequently to release the starch from the rice, but don't overdo it. Add warm broth one cup at a time, allowing each addition to be almost fully absorbed before adding more. This gradual process, alongside the right rice type, ensures that the risotto cooks evenly and develops that perfect creamy texture without becoming a gloopy mess. And please, don't go away and watch Bake Off, or you'll have a problem.
Can I make this shrimp risotto recipe ahead of time?
Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, like a perfectly pulled pint! However, if you're short on time, you can cook the risotto up to the point just before adding the shrimp. Cool it quickly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the risotto with a little extra broth, then stir in the cooked shrimp. Just remember, the texture might not be quite as perfect as if it were freshly made, but it's still a pretty tasty shortcut.
What's the best way to store leftover shrimp risotto and for how long?
Store any leftover shrimp risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible after it cools down. It will generally keep well for up to 1-2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. Make sure it’s heated through properly before serving, just like you would with a good old Sunday Roast. Food safety first!
I don't have white wine, can I still make this shrimp risotto recipe?
Absolutely! The white wine adds a lovely acidity and depth of flavor, but it's not essential. If you're skipping it, you can substitute with an equal amount of extra chicken broth, or even a splash of dry vermouth or a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. It might change the flavour a little, but it’s still going to be a delicious shrimp risotto – no need to dial 999 (or 911 for our transatlantic friends)!