Risotto With Shrimp, Tomatoes And Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Description
This elegant yet approachable risotto combines the earthy sweetness of Arborio rice with bright, acidic notes from fresh plum tomatoes and rich sun-dried tomato pesto. The dish is topped with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and white wine, finished with fresh herbs for a burst of aroma. The creamy texture of the risotto contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a romantic evening in, this recipe brings restaurant-quality Italian flavors to your home kitchen.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cored tomatoes and blanch for exactly 1 minute.
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Drain the tomatoes and rinse briefly with cold water. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop the tomatoes.
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In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth and water. Heat over low heat and keep warm.
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In a large skillet or pot, preferably nonstick, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the finely chopped onion and one minced garlic clove; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
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Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and starting to break down.
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Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for 2 minutes until the grains are coated and slightly translucent.
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Slowly add the warm broth mixture, about one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently.
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Wait until the liquid has been absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Continue this process for about 35 minutes.
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The risotto is done when it is creamy but the rice still has a slight bite (al dente).
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During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, salt, and pepper to taste.
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While the risotto is finishing, prepare the shrimp. Heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
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Add the second minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp and cook until pink, curled, and cooked through.
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Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
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Pour the white wine into the shrimp pan and boil until reduced to about 2 tablespoons.
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Return the shrimp to the pan, stirring to coat in the wine reduction.
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Stir in the chopped parsley, slivered basil, salt, and pepper.
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Spoon the shrimp mixture over the risotto and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 706.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39.1g61%
- Saturated Fat 12.3g62%
- Cholesterol 229.7mg77%
- Sodium 256.8mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.9g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.9g12%
- Sugars 6.4g
- Protein 67.0g134%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sun-dried tomato pesto can be found in the refrigerator section of major supermarkets. Brands like Cibo work well.
Ensure the broth stays warm throughout the cooking process to maintain a consistent cooking temperature for the rice.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat of the pan.
risotto, shrimp, italian, pesto, tomatoes, arborio, seafood, main course, garlic, white wine, basil, parsley, chicken broth, sun-dried tomato, creamy, dinner, easy, vegetables