Luxurious Lemon Shrimp Risotto

Creamy Parmesan, Succulent Shrimp, and Bright Citrus

Rooted in northern Italian tradition, this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Risotto blends rich Parmesan, tender shrimp, and a zesty lemon finish. Its velvety texture and vibrant flavors create a comforting yet refreshing seafood dish perfect for any occasion.

Deliciously Creamy Lemon Shrimp Risotto – Easy One-Pan Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Fresh Lemon Flavor

DifficultyMedium

Servings4

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time40 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Risotto:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, (kept warm)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• ½ Cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Juice lemon
• 1 Zest lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, (for garnish)

Instructions:

• 1

  Cook the Shrimp:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• 2

  Prepare the Risotto:
  

  • In the same skillet, add the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

   

• 3

  Cook the Risotto:
  

  • Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
  • Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue this process for about 20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and tender.
• 4

  Finish the Risotto:

  • Once the rice is cooked to your desired creaminess, stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and gently mix everything together.
• 5

  Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, either on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for adding broth
• Grater for Parmesan and lemon zest

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast.
• If you prefer a more decadent version, add a splash of heavy cream to the risotto at the end.
• Replace the shrimp with scallops or crab for a different seafood flavor.

Pro Tips:

• Use warm broth: Make sure your broth is warm to ensure the rice cooks evenly. Cold broth will slow down the cooking process.
• Stir constantly: Stirring the risotto constantly helps release the starch from the rice, creating that creamy texture risotto is known for.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste the risotto before serving. Add more lemon juice for extra tang or more cheese for extra creaminess.

FAQs:

Can I make this ahead of time?

• Risotto is best served immediately after cooking, but you can prepare the shrimp and risotto base separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

• Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the risotto. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition

Calories	430
Carbohydrates	42g
Cholesterol	175mg
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Protein	30g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	590mg
Sugar	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	10g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

The art of cooking risotto dates back centuries to northern Italy, where it is a staple of regional cuisine. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved dish worldwide, with each version showcasing different flavors and ingredients. The creamy texture and versatility of risotto make it a perfect canvas for incorporating seasonal ingredients, and one of the most popular variations is shrimp risotto. The addition of lemon to this classic recipe brightens up the dish, making it both fresh and comforting. This creamy lemon shrimp risotto brings together the richness of Parmesan with the zesty burst of citrus, creating a delicious and satisfying seafood meal.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

Creating the perfect risotto requires patience and a bit of technique. The key to achieving that smooth, creamy consistency is stirring the rice constantly while gradually adding broth. This process ensures the rice releases its starches, giving the dish its signature creamy texture. The shrimp is the finishing touch, adding a burst of flavor and protein to complement the creamy rice.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

Creamy shrimp risotto is often seen as a more sophisticated dish, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. The one-pan shrimp risotto approach makes it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Additionally, using fresh shrimp enhances the flavor and texture of the dish, making it a standout recipe for any seafood lover.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

• The shrimp is seasoned and cooked to perfection, providing both texture and flavor to the dish.
• The risotto is creamy and rich, made by slowly adding broth to toasted Arborio rice and finishing with Parmesan and lemon zest.
• The lemon adds a fresh, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish, balancing the creaminess.

What Occasions It’s Good For

This dish is ideal for:

• Dinner parties
• Weeknight meals
• Special occasions
• Date night dinners

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

Creamy lemon shrimp risotto is a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it the ideal dish for both casual and special occasions. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The combination of shrimp, Parmesan, and fresh lemon makes it one of the best shrimp risotto recipes out there, and the creamy texture will have everyone coming back for more.