Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and energy? Look no further! This creamy, flavorful shrimp and asparagus risotto is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a delicious, healthy dinner in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels – even beginners will find it manageable. Let's dive into this delightful dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 cups hot vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the grains are slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step is crucial for achieving a creamy risotto.
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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir until it's almost completely absorbed by the rice.
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Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the hot broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 20-25 minutes. The key is to maintain a creamy consistency; don’t rush this step!
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Incorporate Asparagus and Shrimp: Once the rice is almost cooked (still slightly firm to the bite), add the asparagus pieces and shrimp to the pan. Stir well and continue to cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
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Finish the Risotto: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This delicious risotto is best enjoyed right away to fully appreciate its creamy texture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Risotto:
- Use hot broth: Adding hot broth helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature and prevents the risotto from becoming gummy.
- Stir constantly: Consistent stirring is essential for releasing the starch from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture.
- Don’t overcook the rice: The rice should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste the risotto throughout the cooking process and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Variations:
- Lemon Risotto: Add the zest and juice of one lemon at the end for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Mushroom Risotto: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy addition.
- Seafood Risotto: Substitute the shrimp with other seafood like scallops or mussels.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This shrimp and asparagus risotto is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. It's a perfect healthy meal choice for a busy weeknight, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy this delicious and versatile dish – it’s sure to become a new favorite!