Creamy Shrimp and Pea Risotto

Name: Creamy Shrimp and Pea Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh peas; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Instant Meals Recipes

I absolutely love this Creamy Shrimp and Pea Risotto! Preparing it is like a comforting embrace, combining the sweetness of shrimp with the fresh brightness of peas. Every time I make this dish, I'm reminded of my travels in Italy, where I first fell in love with risotto. The creamy texture and nutty flavors of Arborio rice create a dish that's rich yet balanced. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for an intimate dinner or impressing guests. Trust me; you’ll want this recipe in your repertoire!

Created by

Ninas

Last updated on 2026-02-15T15:14:19.245Z

When I first tried making risotto at home, I was intimidated. However, after several attempts, I discovered that patience is key—stirring continuously while adding broth gradually creates that wonderful creamy texture. I can truly say this Creamy Shrimp and Pea Risotto is worth the time and effort. It’s a dish that kicks ordinary evenings up a notch, making them feel special.

One of the little secrets I learned is to toast the rice in the pan for a few minutes before adding any liquid. It enhances the nuttiness and depth of flavor, setting the foundation for the creamy dish to follow. Trust me; this simple step makes a big difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that's absolutely comforting
Perfect balance of flavors with shrimp and fresh peas
Impressive enough for entertaining while simple to prepare

      

Understanding Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is the star of this dish, renowned for its high starch content, which is key to achieving the creamy texture risotto is famous for. When cooked, Arborio rice releases starch into the liquid, creating a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to each grain. This unique attribute sets it apart from regular long-grain rice, so it’s essential to use it for authentic risotto. Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks; it should retain a slight bite, or 'al dente', perfect for an inviting dish.

For best results, avoid rinsing Arborio rice before cooking. Rinsing washes away the starch that contributes to the dish's signature creaminess. Instead, toast the rice briefly in olive oil to enhance its nutty flavor—this step adds depth and a light golden hue. If you don’t have Arborio rice, Carnaroli or Vialone Nano are excellent substitutes that will also yield a creamy risotto, though you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly.

Perfecting the Broth

The broth plays a crucial role in infusing flavor into the risotto. Using a homemade chicken or vegetable broth significantly elevates the overall taste—store-bought broth can be saltier, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. To enhance the broth’s flavor, simmer additional herbs or garlic in it before adding it to the risotto. This helps build layers of flavor that will come through in every bite, making the dish even more delicious.

Keep the broth warm while cooking to maintain an even cooking temperature. If the broth cools down, it will shock the rice, leading to uneven cooking. I recommend using a ladle or a heat-proof pitcher to transfer the warm broth into the pan. This method allows you to focus on stirring your risotto, ensuring each addition gets fully absorbed and keeps the cooking process smooth and consistent.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious risotto.

For the Risotto

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup fresh peas
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

All your ingredients are ready. Let’s cook!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect risotto.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

Add Broth Gradually

Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.

Incorporate Peas and Shrimp

After about 15 minutes, stir in the fresh peas and the shrimp. Continue adding broth until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 20-25 minutes total.

Finish with Cheese and Butter

Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your delicious risotto is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors. Additionally, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops or chicken if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your creamy shrimp and pea risotto, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, right before serving. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors and enhances the dish's visual appeal. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also brighten the overall taste, making each bite even more enjoyable, especially when paired with a glass of chilled white wine.

For a heartier meal, you can serve the risotto alongside grilled asparagus or a crisp salad. The bright flavors of the greens complement the creamy risotto and add a nice textural contrast, rounding out your dining experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage

While risotto is best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare components ahead of time for convenience. Cook the shrimp and sauté the onion and garlic in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when you are ready to serve, simply reheat them before adding to the risotto during the final stages of cooking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you have leftover risotto, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm it over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps restore the creamy texture. For longer storage, risotto can be frozen; however, the texture may change once thawed. Reheat gently before serving, and you can add a bit more butter or cheese to help revive the creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen peas?

Yes! Frozen peas work excellently in this recipe. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking.

→ What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute the wine with more broth or use lemon juice for acidity.

→ Can I make this risotto in advance?

While risotto is best served fresh, you can prepare it up to 30 minutes ahead. Just reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

→ What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use medium to large shrimp for best results. Fresh or properly thawed wild shrimp is ideal.