Risotto con Gamberi (Shrimp Risotto)

Risotto con Gamberi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large skillet, saucepan, ladle, wooden spoon, and a microplane or zester
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Risotto Base:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shrimp:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, warm the broth over low heat. It’s essential to keep the broth warm throughout the process, as adding cold broth to the rice will affect the texture and cooking time.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the rice's flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This adds depth and acidity to the dish, but you can skip this step and add more broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Cook the Risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to an al dente texture. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Risotto:
- When the rice is tender and creamy, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Risotto:
- Stir in the lemon zest, and top with the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Let It Stand:
- Allow the risotto to stand for 5 minutes before serving, which helps meld the flavors and perfects the texture.
- Tips and Variations
- Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding asparagus, peas, or spinach for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp for a slight kick of heat.
- Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with mushrooms for a delicious umami flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Parmesan or omit the cheese entirely and add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy finish.
- Alcohol-Free: Omit the white wine and add an extra ladle of broth.
Risotto con Gamberi is a creamy, luxurious Italian dish that combines tender rice with succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon for brightness. It’s perfect for impressing guests or as a comforting meal to enjoy at home. From my own personal experience, this dish balances flavors beautifully, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that’s worth every effort. Let me show you how I make it.

Notes on What to Expect
Expect a perfectly creamy, comforting dish with a gentle hint of lemon to balance the rich flavors. The Arborio rice should be al dente, with a soft but slightly chewy texture, while the shrimp adds a tender, juicy bite to each mouthful. From my overall experience, the constant stirring might seem tedious, but it ensures that each grain absorbs the broth, creating the creamy texture that makes risotto so special.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed: Large skillet, saucepan, ladle, wooden spoon, and a microplane or zester
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Gamber now.
Ingredients
- Risotto Base:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shrimp:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Gamber now.
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, warm the broth over low heat. It’s essential to keep the broth warm throughout the process, as adding cold broth to the rice will affect the texture and cooking time.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Toss the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the rice’s flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This adds depth and acidity to the dish, but you can skip this step and add more broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Cook the Risotto:
- Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Continue this process for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to an al dente texture. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Risotto:
- When the rice is tender and creamy, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Risotto:
- Stir in the lemon zest, and top with the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Let It Stand:
- Allow the risotto to stand for 5 minutes before serving, which helps meld the flavors and perfects the texture.
Tips and Variations
- Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding asparagus, peas, or spinach for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp for a slight kick of heat.
- Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with mushrooms for a delicious umami flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Parmesan or omit the cheese entirely and add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy finish.
- Alcohol-Free: Omit the white wine and add an extra ladle of broth.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Risotto con Gamber now.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this recipe guide has made making Risotto con Gamberi seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before, or are you planning to give it a go? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below—I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to leave your honest thoughts! Enjoy your risotto!

Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>