Creamy Garlic Shrimp Risotto
Craving something creamy and comforting that feels fancy but is actually simple?
When you've had a long day, there is nothing quite like a bowl of creamy risotto to help you unwind. This version skips the tedious labor of traditional Italian cooking while keeping all those luxurious flavors—garlic, butter, and perfectly tender shrimp. It feels like a high-end bistro meal, but it's designed for your reality of being tired and hungry. The rice absorbs the savory broth until it reaches that perfect, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon. You can almost smell the toasted garlic hitting the pan from across the room! Serve it warm with a little extra cracked black pepper for that hit of heat you need after a long shift.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp — peeled and deveined
- 1.5 cup arborio rice
- 4 cup chicken broth — low sodium preferred
- 3 unit garlic cloves — minced
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt — to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1 In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- 2 In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- 3 Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, tossing to coat every grain in the butter and garlic mixture.
- 4 Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next cup. Continue this process until all broth is absorbed and rice is tender (about 18-20 minutes).
- 5 Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- 6 Fold the cooked shrimp back into the rice mixture. Stir well and serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegetarian Twist — Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the shrimp with 2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
- Faster version — Use a pre-cooked grain like jasmine rice if you're in a huge rush; just sauté the ingredients together for 10 minutes.
Notes
If you want an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — Allows you to sear the shrimp and cook the rice in one vessel to save on cleanup.
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