Creamy Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto Recipe

A plate of perfectly cooked shrimp and asparagus risotto is like a warm hug from inside your heart. Imagine the creamy texture melting in your mouth while the sweet scent of sautéed garlic fills the air, luring everyone into the kitchen. It’s an irresistible invitation that even the pickiest eaters can’t refuse.

I remember my first attempt at making this dish; it was a comedy of errors involving overcooked rice and too much wine (not for cooking!), but nothing could erase that euphoric moment when my family gathered around the table to savor each bite. Now, this shrimp and asparagus risotto has become our go-to comfort dish for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy celebrations.

My cousin once declared this recipe the “crown jewel” of our family gatherings—the kids polished off their plates faster than ever while adults reminisced over their own culinary mishaps.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice absorbs liquid beautifully; essential for achieving that creamy texture.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; opt for medium-sized shrimp for optimal tenderness.
• Asparagus: Choose bright green stalks; they add both crunch and color to your dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this vital ingredient.
• Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought will work if you’re short on time.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated freshly for maximum flavor; it adds richness and enhances creaminess.
• White Wine: Use a dry variety; it gives a delightful acidity that balances out the flavors beautifully.
• Butter: Unsalted is preferred here; it helps create that silky finish we all love in risottos.
• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality oil contributes healthy fats and enhances flavor during cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and rinse your shrimp under cold water until ready to use.

Sauté Garlic and Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then toss in the asparagus pieces until bright green yet tender (around 4 minutes).

Add Arborio Rice: Stir in Arborio rice with the sautéed veggies for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent—this helps toast the rice wonderfully.

Pour in White Wine: Add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom as you let it cook down until almost evaporated (approximately 2-3 minutes).

Add Chicken Broth Gradually: Begin adding chicken broth one ladle at a time while stirring frequently—allowing each addition to absorb before adding more (continue this process for about 18-20 minutes).

Add Shrimp: When rice is creamy yet al dente, fold in shrimp until they turn pink (about 3-5 minutes). The aroma should be heavenly by now!

Add Butter and Cheese: Off heat, mix in butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted through—this will elevate your dish to an entirely different level!

Now you have created an elegant dish that showcases both shrimp’s delicate flavors alongside fresh asparagus’ crunchiness—all wrapped up in luxurious creaminess!

Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired—and don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping! Enjoy digging into this delightful bowl of goodness!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the shrimp and asparagus separately for optimal flavor. Prepare the risotto base while they cook to streamline the process.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil for an aromatic twist. You can also swap out the shrimp for chicken or mushrooms if desired.

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 creaminess.

Making this Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto always reminds me of dinner parties where friends would compliment my culinary skills—though I secretly knew it was all about the risotto magic!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

How do I know when my risotto is done?

Your risotto should be creamy but slightly al dente, not mushy or overly firm.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with tofu and use vegetable broth instead for a delicious vegan version.

Print

Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that pairs tender shrimp with crisp asparagus, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

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Ingredients

• Arborio rice
• Medium-sized shrimp
• Fresh asparagus
• Garlic
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Dry white wine
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: chop asparagus into bite-sized pieces and rinse shrimp.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add asparagus and cook until bright green and tender (about 4 minutes).
3. Stir in Arborio rice with the sautéed vegetables for about 2 minutes until slightly translucent.
4. Pour in white wine, deglazing the pan while cooking until mostly evaporated (2-3 minutes).
5. Gradually add chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to absorb fully (about 18-20 minutes).
6. Fold in shrimp when risotto is creamy yet al dente; cook until shrimp are pink (3-5 minutes).
7. Off heat, mix in butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted through.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil. For variety, swap shrimp for chicken or mushrooms.