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Cajun Shrimp Risotto Recipe

Cajun Shrimp Risotto Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Risotto brings Louisiana’s spicy charm to Italian comfort cuisine. Plump shrimp dance with rich, cheesy rice, delivering bold flavors that transport diners to a culinary crossroads where zesty Creole meets classic Mediterranean technique.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, cleaned and tail off
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups broth

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon parsley

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion (5 ounces/142 grams), chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper (3 ounces/85 grams), chopped
  • ¾ cup dry white wine
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Marinate the shrimp in Cajun seasoning and olive oil for approximately 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.
  2. Pour the broth into a medium saucepan and maintain a gentle simmer, keeping it warm and ready for gradual incorporation.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden crust. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
  4. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper with salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  5. Introduce Arborio rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat each grain with the aromatic base. Pour in white wine and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
  6. Gradually add hot broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding the next. This process will take approximately 18-22 minutes and will create a creamy, smooth risotto texture.
  7. Once the rice reaches a tender yet slightly firm consistency, incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a luxurious, creamy finish.
  8. Gently fold the reserved cooked shrimp into the risotto, ensuring they are evenly distributed and heated through.
  9. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy the rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun shrimp risotto.

Notes

  • Marinate shrimp ahead of time with Cajun seasoning to infuse deep, spicy flavors that will make every bite exciting.
  • Use Arborio rice specifically for its creamy, starchy texture that creates the signature velvety risotto consistency.
  • Slowly add hot broth one cup at a time, allowing each addition to absorb completely for a rich, luxurious risotto texture.
  • Sauté vegetables first to build a flavor foundation that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Stir frequently during risotto cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even, creamy absorption of liquid.
  • Add Parmesan cheese at the end for a final touch of creamy, salty richness that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 379 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg