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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Risotto for Two

creamy garlic shrimp risotto - featured image

A cozy, creamy garlic shrimp risotto recipe perfect for two, featuring tender shrimp, Arborio rice, and a rich, garlicky flavor. Easy to make and ideal for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Arborio rice (about 190g)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720ml), warmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine (80ml), optional
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 large raw shrimp (about 8 oz or 225g), peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, peel and devein the shrimp if needed, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Warm your broth gently in a saucepan over low heat (keep it just below simmering).
  2. Sauté the garlic and toast the rice: In your skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the Arborio rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until grains look translucent around edges but still opaque in center.
  3. Add the wine: Pour in the white wine (if using). Stir continuously until the wine is mostly absorbed.
  4. Add broth gradually: Begin adding the warmed broth one ladle (about 1/2 cup or 120ml) at a time. Stir frequently, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding the next ladle. Continue for about 18-20 minutes until rice is tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
  5. Cook the shrimp: While the risotto is simmering, season the shrimp with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, toss with parsley, and set aside.
  6. Finish the risotto: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The risotto should be creamy and slightly loose in texture.
  7. Combine and serve: Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the risotto or arrange on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep broth warm to ensure even cooking. Stir often but not constantly to release starch without making risotto gluey. Toasting the rice before adding broth is crucial for flavor and texture. Serve immediately as risotto thickens quickly when sitting. Shrimp cooks fast; watch for pink color and slight curl to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp risotto, creamy risotto, garlic shrimp, easy dinner, cozy meal, Arborio rice, quick risotto