Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil
Creamy risotto cooked slowly with sautéed shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for an elegant yet comforting Italian dish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs arborio rice, large, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 12 large, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, finely chopped shallots
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 5 cups, kept warm chicken broth
- 3/4 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 large shrimp and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 cups arborio rice, stirring for 2 minutes until the rice is glossy and slightly toasted.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir continuously until it is fully absorbed by the rice.
- Step 5: Begin adding 5 cups warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each ladle is fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the risotto and warm through for 1-2 minutes before serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil 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 Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil?
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 Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil?
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 Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil 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.
What goes well with Italian-Style Shrimp Risotto with Parmesan and Basil?
Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
