Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon and Basil
Creamy risotto enriched with fragrant saffron threads, succulent shrimp, and scallops brightened with fresh lemon and basil. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs arborio rice, unsalted butter, medium, finely chopped shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium, finely chopped shallots
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 5 cups, kept warm chicken or seafood stock
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 12 pieces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 pieces sea scallops
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, soak 1/4 tsp saffron threads in 1/4 cup warm chicken or seafood stock for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups arborio rice, coating each grain in the butter and oil, and cook for 2 minutes until the edges become translucent.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Step 5: Begin adding the warm stock, including the saffron-infused portion, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more, for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and creamy.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Season 12 shrimp and 8 scallops with salt and pepper. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side and scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Step 7: When the risotto is just done, stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 8: Plate the risotto and top evenly with the seared shrimp and scallops. Serve immediately for a rich and aromatic seafood meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon 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 Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon 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 Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon 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 Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon 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 Saffron-Infused Seafood Risotto with Lemon 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.
