Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach
Creamy Arborio rice infused with saffron, tender shrimp, and vibrant spinach, finished with a drizzle of aged Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Arborio rice, shrimp, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup, grated aged Parmesan
- 1 tsp saffron threads
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add Arborio rice, stir for 2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted and glossy.
- Step 3: Pour in white wine, stir until fully absorbed (about 2 minutes). Add 1 cup broth, stir until liquid is absorbed, then add another 1 cup broth. Repeat until rice is creamy and al dente (about 18-20 minutes total).
- Step 4: In a separate pan, sauté shrimp in 1 tbsp butter for 2-3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Stir in spinach, cook 2 minutes until wilted. Add to risotto.
- Step 5: Stir in saffron threads, remaining butter, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arborio rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Authentic Venetian Risotto with Shrimp and Spinach gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
