Seafood Risotto

This Seafood Risotto is a luxurious yet accessible weeknight dinner that brings the flavors of the Italian coast to your home. The dish centers around creamy Arborio rice, slowly cooked in a blend of chicken broth and reserved clam juice for deep, briny flavor. It is enriched with tender shrimp and minced clams, accented by sweet red bell peppers and savory garlic. A splash of dry white wine adds brightness, while freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese provide a fresh, nutty finish. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a special date night, this risotto balances rich textures with aromatic herbs. Its simple enough for everyday cooking but elegant enough to impress guests, delivering a satisfying, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Cooking Method: Sautéing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 868.1

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This Seafood Risotto is a luxurious yet accessible weeknight dinner that brings the flavors of the Italian coast to your home. The dish centers around creamy Arborio rice, slowly cooked in a blend of chicken broth and reserved clam juice for deep, briny flavor. It is enriched with tender shrimp and minced clams, accented by sweet red bell peppers and savory garlic. A splash of dry white wine adds brightness, while freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese provide a fresh, nutty finish. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a special date night, this risotto balances rich textures with aromatic herbs. Its simple enough for everyday cooking but elegant enough to impress guests, delivering a satisfying, protein-packed meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Vegetable oil
1/2 cup Chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1/3 cup Diced red bell pepper
1 clove Garlic -- finely chopped
3/4 cup Uncooked Arborio or short grain rice
1/4 cup Dry white wine
1 can Minced clams -- (6-1/2 ounces), drained and liquid reserved
1 can Chicken broth -- (14-1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup Water
1 package Frozen cooked shrimp -- (6 ounces), thawed
1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1
Heat vegetable oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped garlic to the skillet.
3
Saute vegetables until softened, then reduce heat to medium.
4
Stir in the uncooked Arborio rice and dry white wine.
5
Cook and stir for about 30 seconds or until the wine is fully absorbed.
6
In a separate container, mix the reserved clam liquid, chicken broth, and water.
7
Add 1/2 cup of the broth mixture to the rice, stirring occasionally until the liquid is absorbed.
8
Continue adding the remaining broth mixture one half-cup at a time, stirring and allowing absorption between additions.
9
With the last addition of broth, stir in the minced clams, thawed shrimp, and chopped fresh parsley.
10
Cook until the seafood is heated through and the rice is tender and creamy.
11
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 868.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 67.9g105%
Saturated Fat 23.4g117%
Cholesterol 135.6mg46%
Sodium 958.6mg40%
Total Carbohydrate 15.4g6%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Sugars 3.5g
Protein 43.6g88%

* 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

The reserved clam liquid adds a distinct briny flavor that enhances the seafood profile; do not discard it.

If you do not have dry white wine, you can substitute with a little extra chicken broth, though the wine adds acidity that balances the richness.

For best results, keep the heat at medium while adding broth so the rice cooks evenly without sticking to the bottom of the pan.

This dish is best served immediately as risotto continues to thicken as it sits. If reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.

You can substitute the shrimp with other cooked seafood like scallops or mussels if preferred.

Keywords: seafood, risotto, shrimp, clams, arborio, rice, italian, creamy, dinner, main course, white wine, garlic, onion, bell pepper, parsley, parmesan, comfort food, weeknight, easy, briny, flavorful

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/seafood-risotto/