Shrimp Risotto with Peas: A Creamy Delight for Seafood Lovers

Shrimp Risotto with Peas is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea and the freshness of spring together in one creamy bowl. As I stir the rice, I can’t help but think about the rich history of risotto, a staple of Northern Italian cuisine that has warmed hearts and homes for centuries. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the charming streets of Italy with every bite.

People love Shrimp Risotto with Peas for its luxurious texture and the way the sweet peas pop against the tender shrimp. The combination of creamy Arborio rice, succulent shrimp, and vibrant green peas creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, it’s surprisingly convenient to make, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Broth

1. In a medium saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will ensure that the broth is warm when we add it to the rice, which helps the risotto cook evenly. 2. Once the broth is simmering, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while we prepare the risotto.

Preparing the Shrimp

3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. 5. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. 6. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. 7. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Preparing the Base

8. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. 9. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. 10. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Cooking the Risotto

11. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and butter mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the flavor and helps the rice absorb the broth better. 12. If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Stir continuously until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice. This should take about 2-3 minutes. 13. Begin adding the warm chicken broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir the rice frequently and allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. This process is crucial for achieving that creamy texture we love in risotto. 14. Continue adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. You may not need all of the broth, so keep an eye on the texture of the rice.

Adding Peas and Shrimp

15. When the rice is nearly done, stir in the frozen peas. They will cook quickly and add a lovely pop of color and sweetness to the dish. 16. After about 2 minutes, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the shrimp to heat through. 17. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add richness and creaminess to the risotto. 18. Taste the risotto and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving the Risotto

19. To serve, spoon the risotto into bowls or onto plates. 20. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. 21. If you like, you can add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy flavor. 22. Enjoy your delicious shrimp risotto with peas while it’s warm and creamy!

Tips for Perfect Risotto

– Always use warm broth; adding cold broth will slow down the cooking process and affect the texture. – Stirring is key! It helps release the starches from the rice, creating that creamy consistency. – Don’t rush the process; risotto takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. – Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms, or even swapping the shrimp for chicken or scallops. Now that you have all the steps laid out, I hope you enjoy making this shrimp risotto with peas as much as

Conclusion:

In summary, this Shrimp Risotto with Peas is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills while enjoying a comforting and delicious meal. The creamy texture of the risotto combined with the succulent shrimp and the sweetness of the peas creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized; consider adding a splash of white wine for an extra layer of depth, or toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this risotto with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, which complements the dish beautifully. You can also serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or a light protein. I encourage you to give this Shrimp Risotto with Peas a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, and I’m sure your friends and family will be asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

Print