The Best Garlic Shrimp Risotto Recipe

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This easy Garlic Shrimp Risotto is a take on a classic Italian recipe. It’s made with fragrant arborio rice sautéed in onions and garlic, simmered in fish stock, and topped with delicately seasoned shrimp.

top view risotto topped with shrimp with lemon granishes

Rich, creamy risotto has always been a favorite among foodies. But who really has the time to cook it from scratch? Well, we are here to show you how simple and easy it can be to whip up easy garlic and shrimp risotto recipe that will become a weeknight dinner go-to.

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There are few things that scream “comfort food” more than a hearty risotto. Risotto is an Italian dish that has been around for centuries, and it has stood the test of time because it’s so darn good. Many people mistake the origins of risotto, giving credit for it to the French. This is due to its refined nature and upscale technique. But, if there’s one thing Italians know best, it’s their starches!

That being said, it really is incredibly easy to make in your own kitchen, and this shrimp risotto with garlic is among one of the best risotto recipes if I do say so myself! All you need are some simple ingredients like Arborio rice, a few spices, garlic cloves, fresh parsley leaves, broth, salt & pepper, shrimp, and parm cheese to make this creamy dish!

In this post, we will show you how to make restaurant-quality garlic shrimp risotto at home with just a few kitchen staples. Don’t believe me? Keep reading and find out for yourself!

top view risotto in black skillet topped with shrimp

So what is risotto exactly?

Risotto is an Italian rice dish with a creamy texture that is cooked with either meat, fish, or vegetable broth. Many risotto recipes call for a range of ingredients, including butter, onion, garlic, and parmesan cheese. There are several ways to have risotto in Italy, and this Garlic Shrimp Risotto recipe is one of the most popular.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Risotto Recipe

This risotto is for seafood lovers. Shrimp is served on top of the arborio rice, which has been cooked in fish stock. You can literally taste the ocean with this creamy shrimp risotto.
You’ll love this rice recipe if you’re looking for a complete meal. Carbs and protein are present in this Shrimp Risotto. Asparagus and parsley are great additions to a risotto, but risottos may be made with practically any vegetable.
Making your own risotto will save you a lot of money. It’s important to remember that delicious food doesn’t always have to be pricey! A restaurant-quality dinner can be made at home with this creamy garlic shrimp risotto.

side shot of risotto topped with sauteed shrimp and lemon garnishes

Equipment Needed To Make the Best easy Shrimp Risotto

Large Skillet
Chef’s Knife
Cutting Board
Measuring cup
Measuring spoon
Cheese grater
Shrimp peeler and deveiner

Ingredients For Your Risotto recipe

These are just a list of ingredients for you to see if you have on hand to make this shrimp risotto. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.

olive oil, divided – you may use any oil of choice
medium raw shrimp – it is best to use raw shrimp instead of the pre cooked shrimp.
smoked paprika
Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
yellow onion
garlic cloves
arborio rice – we prefer this rice for risotto, you may also use Carnaroli
fish broth – or you may use vegetable broth
Parmesan cheese – use freshly grated parmesan cheese if you can, Store-bought alaos works
parsley

How To Make A super easy Shrimp Risotto from scratch

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with the seasonings. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and continue to cook until pink and fully opaque, around 1-2 minutes more. Set aside on a plate.

sauteed shrimp in a black skillet for risotto

Heat the remaining oil in the same skillet. Sautee the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minutes.

broth being poured over seasoned rice in a skillet to make risotto

Pour over two cupfuls of broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has beed absorbed.

top view of creamy risotto in a black skillet

When the liquid is reduced, go ahead and add another cup of broth at a time;
Once all the broth is absorbed, the rice will be plump and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan and parsley.
Serve the risotto topped with cooked shrimp.

What to Serve/Pair with Your Garlic Shrimp Risotto

Desserts to Serve after shrimp risotto

top view of shrimp and rice risotto in a black skillet

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Broth: You may use Chicken or vegetable stock. The stock will give the risotto a more robust taste than the broth.
Rice: You may substitute Arborio rice with Carnaroli rice or sushi rice. The taste and the texture will not be the same.
Protein: For those who aren’t a fan of shrimp, you may easily substitute chicken breast for the meat in this dish.
Veggies: If you’re making a garlic shrimp risotto, you can add peas, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
Cheese: We prefer parmesan but other similar cheeses can be used.
Herbs: This recipe goes well with fresh herbs like basil or chives.

How To Reheat & Store Shrimp Risotto

Best Way To Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Risotto Leftover

Place the risotto in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you have any leftover shrimp, don’t put them in the same container as the risotto. Rather, keep your shrimp in a different container.

How Long Will Shrimp Risotto Last In the Fridge?

You may store Risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. Unless there are any leftover shrimp, the risotto will keep for about two days in the refrigerator.

Can I Freeze Garlic Shrimp Risotto

Risotto can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, and it freezes really well.

How To Reheat Creamy Shrimp Risotto

As the meal sits in the refrigerator, the sauce will thicken. Adding additional stock or water to the rice while reheating will help to loosen it up. You’ll want to use the stovetop for this and stir constantly while you’re reheating. Add splashes of stock in as needed.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Risotto FAQs

How do I know when my risotto is done?

Risotto is done when it’s tender and creamy. Only by tasting the risotto can you accurately determine when it is done. There should be some firmness to the bite when you bite into a perfectly cooked risotto.

Can you use any rice for risotto?

Technically yes, yes, you can. Even brown rice or basmati rice can be used to prepare this dish. In spite of the fact that classic risotto is made with arborio rice, you can actually create it using a variety of whole grains.

Is risotto supposed to be sticky?

No, the risotto shouldn’t be sticky. A sticky risotto will form if you don’t use enough water or cook the rice too long after the liquid has been absorbed.

Do you wash arborio rice for risotto?

No, you don’t wash the arborio rice. The starch in the arborio rice helps keep your risotto creamy and thick.

Other ItALIAN Recipes You’ll Love

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