Description
Pesto Shrimp Parmesan Risotto is a creamy Italian-inspired dish that combines Arborio rice, fresh basil pesto, succulent shrimp, and rich Parmesan cheese for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- Arborio rice: 1 cup (about 200 grams)
- Shrimp: 1 pound (about 450 grams), peeled and deveined
- Fresh basil pesto: 1/2 cup (about 120 grams)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (plus extra for serving)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (about 1 liter), kept warm
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by gathering Arborio rice, shrimp, fresh basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add Arborio rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add warm chicken broth one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. This should take about 18-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the fresh basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Gently fold in the sautéed shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality or homemade pesto for the best flavor.
- Rinse Arborio rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Consider adding a splash of white wine after toasting the rice for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Pesto, Shrimp, Risotto, Parmesan, Italian, Quick Meal