Elegant Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto Recipe with Creamy Arborio

Shrimp risotto dances on your palate with luxurious Mediterranean charm, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary symphony.

Creamy rice cradles plump, tender shellfish in a mesmerizing embrace of flavor and texture.

Each spoonful whispers stories of coastal kitchens and passionate cooking traditions.

Delicate maritime notes weave through velvety grains, creating a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can master this sensational recipe with simple techniques and quality ingredients.

Aromatic herbs and succulent shrimp elevate this classic preparation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Shrimp: Choose fresh, deveined shrimp with a sweet ocean scent and firm texture.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning and enhanced flavor.
• Black Pepper: Select freshly ground pepper for vibrant, aromatic notes.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil for rich, fruity undertones.
• Fennel: Select crisp, white bulbs with bright green fronds and mild anise flavor.
• Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions for subtle, caramelized depth.
• Garlic: Look for firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for robust taste.

• Arborio Rice: Find short-grain Italian rice with high starch content for creamy texture.
• White Wine: Select dry, crisp wine like Pinot Grigio for delicate complexity.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control overall salt levels.
• Lemon: Pick bright, heavy lemons with smooth, glossy skin for maximum juice and zest.
• Arugula: Choose fresh, peppery leaves with vibrant green color.

Must-Have Gear for Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Large Pan: Spacious, non-stick skillet for sautéing and cooking entire risotto dish.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping fennel, onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and ingredient dicing.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring rice and mixing ingredients without scratching pan.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate tool for portioning broth, wine, and rice.
• Grater: Used for zesting fresh lemon and creating fine citrus garnish.
• Shallow Pasta Bowls: Elegant serving dishes for presenting creamy risotto.
• Plate: Temporary holding space for cooked shrimp during preparation.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto at Home

• Kickstart the Seafood Sizzle

Warm up a large pan with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then dance them around the pan until they turn a beautiful opaque color and curl up slightly, which takes about 3 minutes. Scoot the shrimp onto a separate plate and keep them waiting.

• Wake Up the Veggie Base

Using the same pan, drizzle in some more olive oil. Toss in chopped fennel and diced onions, letting them soften and become translucent. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it release its magical aroma for a quick 30 seconds.

• Introduce the Rice Magic

Pour Arborio rice into the veggie playground and stir enthusiastically to coat each grain with oil. Splash in some white wine and keep stirring until the liquid disappears completely.

• Layer in Rich Flavors

Pour chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Season with additional salt and pepper. Let the mixture bubble gently, then lower the heat. Stir frequently until the rice becomes creamy and tender but still has a slight bite, which takes around 13-14 minutes.

• Final Flourish

Fold in fresh arugula until it wilts beautifully. Gently return the waiting shrimp to the pan. If needed, add a touch more broth to create a luxurious, smooth texture. Serve immediately in warm, inviting bowls.

Flavor Adjustments for Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Boost Seafood Flavor: Marinate shrimp in fresh lemon juice and herbs for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness and tenderness.
• Customize Rice Texture: Control risotto's creaminess by adjusting broth quantity – less liquid creates firmer rice, while more produces a silkier consistency.
• Quick Vegetable Swap: Replace fennel with leeks or celery for different flavor profiles while maintaining the dish's delicate vegetable foundation.
• Perfect Wine Selection: Choose crisp white wines like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complement seafood and add bright, acidic notes to the risotto.

Best Ways to Serve Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Garnish with Zesty Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the risotto to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemony undertones and enhance the shrimp's sweet notes.
• Create Textural Contrast: Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch that adds depth and interest to the creamy risotto base.
• Serve with Light Side Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the risotto and provide a refreshing accompaniment.

Make-Ahead and Storage for Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy texture might change slightly when reheated.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth, stirring constantly to restore smooth consistency and prevent rice from drying out.
• Freezing Strategy: Not recommended for this dish. Risotto's delicate texture breaks down when frozen, losing its signature creamy characteristics.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy immediately after cooking for optimal taste and texture. Seafood risotto is best served hot, with the shrimp remaining tender and rice maintaining its perfect al dente quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Elegant Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp risotto delivers creamy Arborio rice studded with succulent jumbo shrimp and delicate Parmesan. Mediterranean-inspired flavors promise comfort and elegance in one delightful dish you’ll savor with genuine pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup chopped fennel bulb
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, smashed, peeled, and chopped
• 3 cups arugula
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (180 g) Arborio rice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook shrimp with salt and black pepper until they turn opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Develop Flavor Base: In the same pan, sauté fennel and onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic oils, creating a robust foundation for the risotto.
3. Rice Preparation: Introduce Arborio rice to the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is oil-coated. Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, stirring until the liquid is completely absorbed, which helps build depth of flavor.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Simmer risotto, stirring consistently until rice reaches a creamy al dente consistency, approximately 13-14 minutes.
5. Final Assembly: Fold wilted arugula into the risotto, then gently reincorporate the cooked shrimp. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed. Plate in wide-rimmed bowls, serving immediately to preserve the risotto’s luxurious texture and temperature.

Notes

• Precise Shrimp Cooking: Sauté shrimp quickly for 3 minutes until opaque to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Rice Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat Arborio rice with oil before adding wine to enhance flavor absorption and create creamy risotto base.
• Liquid Addition Strategy: Add chicken broth gradually and stir consistently to develop risotto’s signature creamy consistency and prevent rice from sticking.
• Temperature Control Mastery: Maintain low-medium heat while simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and reaches perfect al dente texture without burning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg