Shrimp Risotto: A Creamy Italian Classic Made Simple

Few dishes feel as comforting and luxurious as a bowl of Shrimp Risotto. Creamy, silky, and rich with flavor, risotto has long been a staple of Italian cooking — and when paired with tender shrimp, it becomes a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Shrimp risotto strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The creamy rice feels indulgent, while the shrimp add sweetness and a light seafood freshness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of attention, you can create a dish that feels special enough for date night yet comforting enough for a cozy evening in.

Contrary to popular belief, risotto doesn’t require constant stirring or professional training. With the right technique and patience, it’s approachable, rewarding, and deeply satisfying.

Why Shrimp Is Perfect for Risotto

Shrimp is ideal for risotto because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. Its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with Parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, and white wine — all classic risotto elements.

Adding shrimp toward the end of cooking ensures it stays tender and juicy, while still infusing the risotto with its delicate seafood flavor. The result is a dish that tastes refined but remains comforting and familiar.

Understanding Risotto: What Makes It Creamy

The signature creaminess of risotto doesn’t come from cream — it comes from starch. Arborio rice releases starch slowly as it cooks, creating a velvety texture when stirred gently and combined with warm broth.

The key is adding broth gradually and allowing the rice to absorb it before adding more. This method coaxes out the starch while keeping the grains tender yet slightly firm at the center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Arborio rice
• Shallot or onion, finely diced
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Dry white wine
• Warm chicken or seafood broth
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest or juice
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper

Each ingredient plays a specific role — from the starch-rich rice to the umami-packed Parmesan — creating depth and balance in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat broth in a saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
2. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until just pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté shallots until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Stir in Arborio rice, coating each grain in the butter and oil.
5. Pour in white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
6. Begin adding warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently and allowing it to absorb before adding more.
7. Continue until rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and reserved shrimp.
9. Adjust seasoning and finish with parsley and black pepper.

Shrimp Risotto

A creamy Italian-style risotto made with tender shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 1 shallot finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth warm
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Wide skillet or saucepan
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Warm broth and keep over low heat.
2. Sauté shrimp until just pink; remove and set aside.
3. Cook shallot and garlic in butter and oil until soft.
4. Toast rice, add wine, then gradually add broth until creamy.
5. Stir in shrimp, Parmesan, lemon zest, and seasonings.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Risotto

Use warm broth. Cold broth slows cooking and affects texture.

Do not overcook shrimp. Add them at the end to keep them tender.

Stir gently, not constantly. Enough to release starch without breaking the grains.

Serve immediately. Risotto is best enjoyed fresh and creamy.

Flavor Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Risotto: Add extra garlic and finish with more butter.
• Lemon Shrimp Risotto: Increase lemon zest and juice for brightness.
• Herb Shrimp Risotto: Add thyme or basil for added aroma.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a small splash of cream for extra richness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Risotto is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Leftover risotto can also be shaped into patties and pan-fried for a delicious next-day meal.

What to Serve with Shrimp Risotto

Pair shrimp risotto with:

• Simple green salad
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic bread
• Light citrus vinaigrette

These sides complement the richness of the risotto without overpowering it.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation

Shrimp Risotto is the kind of dish that feels impressive without being intimidating. Creamy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe that rewards patience and simple technique — and one you’ll be proud to serve again and again.