Cajun Shrimp Risotto

Cajun Shrimp Risotto Recipe – Shrimp risotto in 35 minutes? Yes! Our easy Cajun shrimp risotto recipe is so rich and flavorful you’ll want to make it again and again for quick and healthy dinners. Rice is slowly cooked with onion and wine, while shrimp is sautéed to crisp perfection with Cajun spices. A creamy, spicy risotto recipe that’s sure to please the whole family. Enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the Cajun Shrimp Risotto

• 1 cup arborio rice (or sushi rice)
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 5 cups warm salted water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan, divided
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Cajun shrimp risotto

With only 30 minutes of total work, this shrimp risotto dinner recipe is simple, fast, and delicious! Cook risotto with onion and white wine, adding water in small increments. Then sear seasoned shrimp for 4 minutes. Finish off risotto with butter and parmesan, before topping with the sauteed Cajun shrimp. If you love shrimp, then this shrimp risotto is a real treat!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

How to make risotto with shrimp

To make shrimp risotto – first, start by cooking chopped onion in olive oil. Then stir in the risotto rice and sauté in the fat. Then deglaze the pan with white wine. Start adding salted water to the rice a ladleful at a time. With each addition, stir the rice and let it completely absorb the liquid. This process cooks the risotto rice while coaxing out the starch to create a kind of a creamy sauce… without using any cream at all! Finish the risotto with butter, Parmesan cheese. In the meantime, season shrimp with Cajun spices and sauté in olive oil for 4 minutes. To risotto with shrimp and enjoy!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. To make the Cajun shrimp risotto: Combine 1 tablespoon salt and 5 cups water in a medium stockpot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook chopped onion and a pinch of salt until the onion is translucent and starting to soften 4-6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook, stirring regularly, until water evaporates and onion is sizzling in oil and completely soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add rice to the onion and stir well to coat with oil. Stir fry the rice, stirring constantly until grains of rice are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add wine and another pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is completely evaporated, about 2 minutes.

4. Reduce the heat to medium, then add hot salted water to rice in 1/2-cup increments, stirring constantly and allowing liquid to absorb fully before adding more, until rice is al dente and surrounded by fluid, not-too-thick creamy suspension, 15–20 minutes. The rice should be tender but not mushy. Do not overcook.

5. Remove risotto from heat, add butter, and stir until melted. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring until cheese is melted. Stir in more hot salted water if needed to achieve the right consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. While the risotto is cooking, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and oregano. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle the bottom of the pan with olive oil.  Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Flip shrimp over and cook another minute or two. Set aside while risotto finishes cooking.

7. Divide risotto into bowls or shallow plates and top with the Cajun shrimp. Sprinkle with chili pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley, and serve the Cajun shrimp risotto immediately. Enjoy! ❤️ 

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Tips for the shrimp risotto recipe

• You can use fish stock or vegetable stock instead of water to cook the rice. Be careful with salt though.
• If you’re extra hungry, enjoy the shrimp risotto with some toasted garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side.

What to do with shrimp risotto leftovers?

You can keep the shrimp risotto leftovers for up to 2 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave.

More shrimp recipes

• Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
• Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet
• Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet (20 Minutes)

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com