Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “I don’t like that”? I hear you. I’ve been there more times than I can count, standing in the kitchen at 5 PM feeling totally defeated.
That’s why I want to share our new favorite win: Shrimp Scampi Risotto. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s just as easy as a weeknight pasta. It takes all the garlicky, buttery goodness of a classic shrimp scampi and mixes it into creamy, comforting rice.
It’s a one-pot wonder that somehow pleases my seafood-loving husband, my “white food only” kid, and me. Let me show you how this magic happens.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I know, shrimp can be a tough sell. But this dish works for a few clever reasons. First, the risotto rice gets so wonderfully creamy and soft. There are no challenging textures for little ones to object to.
Second, the shrimp flavor infuses the whole dish gently. It’s not like a big, separate piece of seafood staring at them. For my youngest, I sometimes chop the shrimp up super small so it just becomes part of the creamy base.
Finally, it’s cheesy! A good sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end makes everything more familiar and delicious. It’s a total comfort food in a bowl.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
Nothing crazy here, I promise. You probably have most of this already. I always look for simple swaps to make life easier.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (I buy them frozen and thawed to save money!)
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice (this short-grain rice is key for creaminess)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (use less if you’re nervous, but it mellows out!)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or substitute with more broth)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but pretty)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting them involved is my number one trick for getting them to try new things. It builds excitement and pride! Here are two perfect jobs for little helpers.
First, they can be in charge of measuring the rice and the broth. Pouring and counting cups is great practice. Second, once the risotto is done and off the heat, let them sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir.
Shrimp Scampi Risotto Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi Risotto Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Giving them that “chef” job makes them so much more likely to taste their creation. It’s a parenting win every time.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let risotto scare you. It’s just stirring and adding liquid. You’ve got this! I do all of this in my trusty Dutch oven.
- Warm the broth in a saucepan and keep it on a low simmer. Having warm broth is the secret to creamy risotto.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the Arborio rice. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) and stir until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice.
- Now, add the warm broth one ladleful at a time. Stir frequently and wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. This process takes about 18-20 minutes.
- While the risotto cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a separate pan, quickly cook the shrimp in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. This only takes 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Set them aside.
- When the rice is tender and creamy but still has a slight bite, turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes to warm the shrimp through. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve immediately with extra cheese!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how I tweak this base recipe to keep everyone happy at the table.
For super sensitive palates, you can serve the shrimp on the side. Let them have the plain, cheesy risotto and dip a shrimp in if they’re feeling brave. I also love adding frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and veg. If you love a bright, citrusy flavor, you could add some extra lemon zest or fresh herbs.
For the adults or adventurous eaters, finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end. You could even crisp up some chopped bacon to sprinkle on top. Yum!
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
Yes, you can save leftovers! Risotto thickens as it cools, but it’s an easy fix. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, put it in a pot with a splash of broth or water over low heat. Stir gently until it’s creamy and warm again. The microwave works too—just use a lower power setting and stir every 30 seconds with a little liquid added.
Nutrition Notes
- Great Protein Source: Shrimp provides lean protein to keep everyone full.
- Energy for Days: The rice offers good carbohydrates for active kids and busy parents.
- Calcium Boost: Parmesan cheese adds calcium for strong bones.
- Customizable: You can control the salt by using low-sodium broth and adjusting the cheese.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different kind of rice?
I really don’t recommend it for this recipe. Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that releases a lot of starch, which is what creates the classic, creamy risotto texture. Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati won’t work the same way.
What can I use instead of wine?
No problem at all! Just replace the ½ cup of white wine with an extra ½ cup of chicken or vegetable broth. You might add an extra squeeze of lemon juice at the end to make up for the brightness the wine provides.
My risotto is too thick/stiff. How do I fix it?
This happens to everyone! Risotto is meant to be served right away, but if it sits or cools, it tightens up. Simply stir in a little more warm broth or even a splash of milk or cream when you reheat it. It will loosen right back up to a creamy consistency.
So there you have it. My not-so-secret weapon for a peaceful, delicious family dinner. This dish feels special enough for a weekend but comes together quickly enough for any hectic Tuesday.
It combines the best parts of all those shrimp pasta recipes we love into one cozy bowl. If you’re looking for another fantastic one-pot meal, you have to try this creamy shrimp scampi orzo. I really hope it becomes a regular in your rotation of shrimp dinners and weeknight dinner wins.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a bite? What fun twists did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!
