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**Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Basil and Parmesan: A Decadent and Flavorful Dish**
If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant meal, **Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Basil and Parmesan** is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. This luxurious recipe combines plump, succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy risotto, flavored with fresh basil and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet remains simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Risotto, with its velvety texture and creamy finish, is a classic Italian dish that’s all about the right technique. Paired with the delicate sweetness of shrimp and the aromatic freshness of basil, this recipe takes the traditional risotto to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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### **Why You’ll Love Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Basil and Parmesan**
1. **Rich and Creamy**: The combination of Arborio rice, butter, and stock creates a beautifully creamy texture that’s the hallmark of a perfect risotto. The Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor that enhances the richness of the dish.
2. **Fresh and Flavorful**: Shrimp provides a sweet and succulent contrast to the creamy rice, while fresh basil adds a pop of herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
3. **Quick and Easy**: While risotto is often thought of as a labor-intensive dish, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare and comes together in just about 30 minutes. It’s an ideal option for when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. **Customizable**: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. For example, swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste.
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### **Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Basil and Parmesan**
To create this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– **1 lb shrimp**, peeled and deveined
– **1 ½ cups Arborio rice** (a short-grain rice ideal for risotto)
– **4 cups chicken or vegetable stock**, kept warm
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tbsp butter**
– **2 tbsp olive oil**
– **¾ cup dry white wine** (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
– **1 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **½ cup fresh basil**, chopped
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 tbsp lemon juice** (optional, for a hint of freshness)
– **Fresh basil leaves**, for garnish (optional)
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### **Instructions for Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Basil and Parmesan**
**Step 1: Cook the Shrimp**
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
**Step 3: Toast the Rice**
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir it around to coat the grains in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the risotto.
**Step 4: Deglaze with Wine**
If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and stir until it’s mostly absorbed by the rice. This adds a rich, aromatic layer of flavor to the dish. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and proceed to adding the stock.
**Step 5: Cook the Risotto**
Begin adding the warm chicken or vegetable stock to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until most of the liquid is absorbed before adding more stock. Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy, which should take about 18-20 minutes. You may not need all the stock, but the rice should have a creamy consistency.
**Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Parmesan**
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked shrimp, remaining butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.
**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
Spoon the creamy shrimp risotto onto plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
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