The aroma of creamy shrimp risotto with peas wafts through the kitchen, mingling with whispers of garlic and a hint of white wine. Each spoonful transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria, where the flavors dance joyfully on your palate, promising comfort and delight.
As I stand stirring the risotto, I am flooded with memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed and plates piled high. This dish brings us together, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend feast. You’ll find yourself savoring every bite, relishing its warmth as it hugs your taste buds like an old friend.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp risotto with peas is simple yet impressive, making meal prep both enjoyable and rewarding
- The harmonious blend of flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties
- Versatile enough to adapt to seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences allows for endless creativity in the kitchen
I remember the first time I made shrimp risotto with peas; my friends were convinced I had turned into a gourmet chef overnight!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice absorbs liquid beautifully, creating that signature creamy texture essential for risotto.
Fresh Shrimp: Opt for medium to large shrimp; they add a lovely briny flavor that complements the dish.
Frozen Peas: These sweet gems provide color and a pop of freshness; no need to thaw before adding them!
Onion: Use a finely chopped onion for sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent to release its full flavor.
Garlic: The more garlic, the better! Minced fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
White Wine: A splash of dry white wine enhances the flavor profile; choose something you’d enjoy drinking (no cooking wine here).
Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth adds richness; keep it warm on the stove while cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides creaminess and umami; sprinkle generously at the end for maximum flavor impact.
Butter: A bit of butter stirred in at the end gives that luxurious finish that makes every bite irresistible.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the aromatics and enhance overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant – around 30 seconds will do.
Add Arborio Rice: Toss in 1 cup of Arborio rice, stirring to coat each grain in the aromatic oil. Toasting the rice slightly enhances its nutty flavor; let it cook for about 1 minute until it turns slightly translucent.
Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine and let it bubble away while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Cook until most of the liquid evaporates – this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Chicken Broth Gradually : Lower heat to medium-low and begin adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time. Stir continuously until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more broth; this will take around 18-20 minutes total.
Add Shrimp and Peas : When the rice is al dente (with a slight bite), add 1 pound of fresh shrimp and 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir gently until shrimp turn pink and opaque – roughly 3-5 minutes should suffice.
Finish with Cheese and Butter : Remove from heat, then stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons butter for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Now you’re ready to serve your delightful shrimp risotto with peas! Garnish each plate with additional Parmesan if desired, grab your fork, and dig into this creamy masterpiece that will leave everyone wanting more!
You Must Know
- This shrimp risotto with peas is a creamy delight that balances flavor and texture perfectly
- Using fresh ingredients enhances the dish’s aroma, while a dash of white wine adds sophistication
- With this recipe, you’ll impress everyone at your dinner table, including yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add Arborio rice before gradually incorporating broth. Stir frequently for creaminess while cooking shrimp separately ensures they remain tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peas for asparagus or spinach for a seasonal twist. You can also sprinkle in some lemon zest or Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality seafood stock for richer flavor, and remember not to rush the cooking process; patience is key
- Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to your preference
- Finally, let the risotto rest briefly before serving to enhance its creaminess
Sharing my first attempt at making shrimp risotto was both hilarious and rewarding—friends raved about it, even when I accidentally overcooked the shrimp!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp in shrimp risotto with peas?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are thawed before cooking.
What type of rice is best for risotto?
Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content that creates creaminess.
How do I store leftovers of shrimp risotto with peas?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Shrimp Risotto with Peas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp risotto with peas is a creamy and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. This delightful meal features tender shrimp and sweet peas enveloped in rich, flavorful Arborio rice, all enhanced by a splash of white wine. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings—this risotto is sure to impress your family and friends with its luxurious texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the Arborio rice, stirring to coat each grain in the oil. Toast for about 1 minute until slightly translucent.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer while scraping any bits from the pan. Cook until mostly evaporated (2-3 minutes).
- Lower heat to medium-low, adding warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until absorbed (18-20 minutes total).
- When the rice is al dente, stir in the shrimp and frozen peas. Cook until shrimp turn pink (3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and butter, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
