Ingredients
For the risotto:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups Arborio rice (or Carnaroli rice), uncooked
½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
6 cups hot chicken broth or seafood broth (low sodium preferred)
Zest of 1 large lemon
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra if needed
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Warm the broth in a saucepan over low heat and keep it hot while you prepare the risotto.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes until the grains are well coated in the fat and lightly toasted.
5. Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
6. Begin adding the hot broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition of broth to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18–20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and just al dente.
7. While the risotto cooks, heat a separate skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. When the risotto is creamy and the rice is cooked to your liking, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
9. If the risotto is too thick, add a splash more hot broth to loosen it to a silky, spoonable consistency.
10. Serve the risotto in warm bowls, top with the cooked shrimp, and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra creaminess, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of butter right before serving.
Seafood broth will give a stronger seafood flavor, while chicken broth keeps the taste milder.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice to make the dish brighter or more subtle to your taste.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
