Imagine a bowl of creamy tomato and shrimp risotto, glistening like a sunset on a summer evening. The rich aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Each spoonful offers a delightful dance of flavors, where the sweetness of tomatoes meets the savory notes of plump shrimp, all wrapped in a luscious creamy embrace. This dish transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, promising comfort and joy.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Creamy Tomato and Shrimp Risotto</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- How can I make my risotto creamier?
- What type of rice is best for risotto?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, picture yourself enjoying this glorious creation with loved ones gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as you share stories over steaming bowls of risotto. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the heart and soul. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or treating yourself after a long day, creamy tomato and shrimp risotto is sure to impress and delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tomato and shrimp risotto is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties
- The combination of savory shrimp and sweet tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning, guaranteed to impress anyone at your table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or seasonal veggies
I remember the first time I made this creamy tomato and shrimp risotto for my friends. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites, proclaiming me the “Risotto Queen” for the night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice is essential for that creamy texture; don’t substitute it with regular rice.
Fresh Shrimp: Use large, juicy shrimp for the best flavor; fresh is always better than frozen if possible.
Canned Whole Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes as they provide rich flavor without any fuss.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is ideal, but store-bought works too; just choose low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to enhance its flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch; use about 2-3 cloves minced for maximum flavor impact.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan adds richness; save some for garnishing when serving!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances flavors; it’s worth splurging on this ingredient.
Butter: For finishing touches, butter adds creaminess and depth; don’t skip this step!
Fresh Basil Leaves: These add a pop of freshness at the end—perfect for garnishing your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Shrimp Risotto
Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add Garlic & Rice: Stir in minced garlic and arborio rice. Toast them together until the rice looks slightly translucent around the edges—about 1-2 minutes will do the trick.
Pour in Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in warm chicken broth one ladle at a time while stirring constantly. Keep adding broth as it absorbs until your rice is al dente—this takes about 18-20 minutes.
Add Tomatoes & Shrimp: Mix in canned tomatoes (with juices) and fresh shrimp once most liquid is absorbed. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should suffice.
Finish with Butter & Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in butter and grated parmesan cheese until melted. This creates that dreamy creaminess you crave!
Garnish & Serve!: Finally, serve hot with freshly chopped basil leaves on top for that beautiful burst of color and flavor—enjoy every bite!
Now you have all the steps to create your very own creamy tomato and shrimp risotto! Enjoy cooking this delightful dish that’s bound to impress everyone who gets to savor it!
You Must Know
- When making creamy tomato and shrimp risotto, use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor
- Fresh tomatoes will elevate the dish, while a splash of white wine adds depth
- The aroma alone will have your neighbors knocking at your door, asking what’s cooking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then add Arborio rice. Gradually stir in warm broth and tomatoes while incorporating shrimp for perfectly cooked risotto.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or veggies based on your preference. Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley to enhance flavor and freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a wooden spoon when stirring—it’s less abrasive on the rice
- Always add broth gradually to achieve that perfect creamy texture
- Taste as you go; it’s an essential part of cooking!
Cooking creamy tomato and shrimp risotto brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone just had to come back for seconds. The compliments were endless!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
How can I make my risotto creamier?
Add more broth gradually and finish with butter and Parmesan cheese for ultimate creaminess.
What type of rice is best for risotto?
Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content, creating a creamy texture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Tomato and Shrimp Risotto
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a bowl of creamy tomato and shrimp risotto that transforms any meal into a special occasion. With succulent shrimp mingling with sweet tomatoes and rich parmesan, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy texture that will leave everyone at the table craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup canned whole tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Arborio rice, toasting for about 1-2 minutes until edges are slightly translucent.
- Gradually add warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. Continue until rice is al dente, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Mix in canned tomatoes and fresh shrimp, cooking until shrimp turns pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in butter and parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
