Easy Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Minutes

Shrimp risotto transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that whispers elegance with every creamy spoonful.

Mediterranean-inspired seafood meets luxurious rice in a dance of sophisticated flavors and textures.

Rich, velvety grains absorb fragrant broth while succulent shellfish promise intense maritime sensations.

Home chefs can elevate weeknight dinners with this Mediterranean-style preparation that balances delicate oceanic notes and comforting starch.

Professional techniques merge simplicity and complexity through careful timing and precise ingredient interactions.

Precise cooking techniques guarantee tender shrimp nestled within silky, gently stirred rice.

The result is a harmonious blend of oceanic freshness and rustic comfort that promises to transport you to coastal kitchens: Prepare to be delighted.

Storing Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Seal Airtight Container: Transfer risotto into a high-quality, leak-proof glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Press plastic wrap directly onto the risotto's surface to minimize air exposure and prevent oxidation. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to preserve texture and flavor.
• Portion Control: Divide leftover risotto into single-serving sizes before storing. This strategy allows easier reheating and prevents repeatedly warming the entire batch, which can degrade quality. Small portions maintain optimal taste and consistency when reheated.
• Quick Consumption: Consume refrigerated shrimp risotto within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and food safety. Check for any unusual odors or color changes before reheating. Discard if signs of spoilage appear, as seafood can quickly develop harmful bacteria.

Tasty Variations on Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Seafood Medley Risotto: Replace shrimp with a mix of scallops, calamari, and mussels for an oceanic flavor explosion.
• Vegetarian Garden Risotto: Swap shrimp with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Risotto: Add red pepper flakes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to give the dish a Greek-inspired kick.
• Mushroom and Herb Risotto: Substitute shrimp with a blend of wild mushrooms like porcini and shiitake, and enhance with fresh thyme and rosemary for an earthy profile.

Concluding Remarks on Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s shrimp risotto, a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that dances between delicate seafood and rich, creamy rice.

Classic techniques shine through each carefully crafted bite, blending fennel’s subtle sweetness with succulent shrimp and peppery arugula.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish whispers gourmet elegance without pretension.

White wine and lemon zest elevate simple ingredients into a symphonic experience that lingers long after the last spoonful.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions find their perfect companion in this luxurious risotto.

When soul-satisfying comfort calls, this recipe answers with Mediterranean charm – so savor each moment, share the recipe, spread deliciousness, and let passion for cooking spark conversations that connect hearts through remarkable cuisine.

Why Ina Garten’s Shrimp Risotto Wows Guests

• Savor Luxurious Seafood Elegance: This shrimp risotto transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with sophisticated flavors that make ordinary weeknight meals feel extraordinary.
• Master Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Despite looking complex, this recipe teaches home cooks an approachable method to create creamy, perfectly textured risotto with minimal technical skills and straightforward steps.
• Enjoy Quick Flavor-Packed Comfort: The one-pan technique combines fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, peppery arugula, and rich Arborio rice into a delightful meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal cooking time and cleanup.

What You Need for Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the main protein and rich ocean flavor. Wild-caught or large fresh shrimp recommended for best taste.

• Fennel, Onions: Adds depth and sweet undertone to the risotto. Choose fresh, firm vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic base and enhances overall dish complexity. Fresh garlic cloves preferred.
• Arugula: Adds peppery freshness and bright green color. Young, crisp leaves work best.

• Arborio Rice: Traditional Italian short-grain rice perfect for creamy risotto. High starch content ensures rich, smooth texture.
• Dry White Wine: Brings acidity and depth to the risotto. Choose a crisp, light wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid base for cooking rice. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding smooth, rich undertone. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and balances rich flavors. Fresh lemons yield most vibrant taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance overall dish flavor. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.

Cooking Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto to Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle the Seafood

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook shrimp until they turn opaque and just curl, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped fennel
• Diced onions

Cook until vegetables become tender and translucent, around 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Introduce the Rice

Add Arborio rice to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat each grain with oil. Pour in dry white wine and stir continuously until liquid is completely absorbed.

Step 4: Build Risotto Flavor

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Remaining salt
• Additional black pepper

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer and stir frequently until rice becomes creamy and tender but retains slight firmness, approximately 13-14 minutes.

Step 5: Create Final Texture

Fold in fresh arugula until it wilts. Gently return cooked shrimp to pan. Add extra broth if needed to achieve luxurious, creamy consistency. Serve immediately in shallow pasta bowls.

Pro Pointers for an Amazing Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto

• Savor Wine Wisely: Opt for crisp white wines you'd enjoy sipping, steering clear of salty, low-quality cooking wines that could compromise your dish's delicate flavor profile.
• Stir with Passion: Embrace the wooden spoon as your culinary companion, gently coaxing starches from the rice to create a luxuriously smooth texture that screams comfort.
• Respect Rice Royalty: Invest in premium Arborio rice from Italy, the secret weapon that transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy masterpiece no ordinary long-grain can duplicate.
• Hunt Perfect Shrimp: Seek out large, wild-caught specimens that promise sweeter notes and superior texture, ensuring each bite delivers maximum seafood satisfaction.
• Dance with Gentle Heat: Maintain a delicate medium-low temperature, allowing risotto to simmer softly and develop its signature creamy consistency without scorching.

Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s shrimp risotto delivers creamy Arborio rice perfection with succulent seafood and rich parmesan. Coastal Italian comfort emerges through each luxurious spoonful, inviting souls to savor Mediterranean culinary elegance.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small fennel bulb, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large clove of garlic, smashed, peeled, and chopped
• 3 cups arugula

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (180 grams) Arborio rice (about 6 ½ ounces)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a generously sized saucepan over medium heat. Introduce the shrimp, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper. Sauté until the shrimp transform to an opaque hue, approximately 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
2. Using the identical pan, incorporate the remaining 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of olive oil. Introduce fennel and onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent, roughly 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence.
3. Carefully fold the Arborio rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is coated with the fragrant oil. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine, stirring consistently until the liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Gradually introduce chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining salt and pepper. Elevate the temperature to create a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low-medium setting. Allow the risotto to simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice reaches a perfect al dente texture – tender yet maintaining a slight resistance, approximately 13-14 minutes.
5. Gently fold the arugula into the risotto, letting it wilt and integrate with the creamy rice. Reintroduce the previously cooked shrimp, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If the consistency appears too thick, incorporate additional broth to achieve a luxuriously creamy texture. Serve immediately in shallow, wide-rimmed bowls.

Notes

• Pick fresh, plump shrimp with a firm, translucent look to guarantee the best flavor and texture in your risotto.
• Select Arborio rice for its magical ability to create that signature creamy, luxurious consistency every risotto dreams of.
• Splash in dry white wine to unlock deeper flavor dimensions and add a sophisticated culinary complexity.
• Chop fennel to introduce a subtle, sweet anise undertone that dances perfectly with seafood’s delicate essence.
• Scatter fresh arugula on top for a zesty, peppery kick that brightens the entire dish and provides a gorgeous green contrast.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg