Imagine a luxurious Italian dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece - our Creamy Garlic Prawn Risotto is exactly that magical creation! This restaurant-quality recipe brings together succulent prawns, rich Parmesan, and perfectly cooked Arborio rice in a creamy embrace that will transport you straight to the coastal regions of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 pound prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: Arborio rice, prawns, broth, white wine, onion, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process, as adding cold broth will slow down the cooking of the risotto.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it well with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer, stirring frequently, until the wine has mostly evaporated. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each ladle of broth to be absorbed by the rice before adding the next. This process will take about 18-20 minutes, and the risotto should become creamy and the rice tender but still al dente.
- While the risotto is cooking, in a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined prawns, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the risotto is creamy and the rice is cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Gently fold in the cooked prawns into the risotto, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the risotto sit for a minute before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the creamy garlic prawn risotto hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Use warm broth when adding to risotto - cold liquid will dramatically slow down the cooking process and affect rice texture.
- Stir continuously while adding broth to release the rice's natural starches, creating that signature creamy consistency.
- Choose high-quality Arborio rice - it's crucial for achieving the right risotto texture.
- Don't rush the risotto - slow cooking is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Cook prawns separately to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.
- Use fresh garlic and grate your Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Let the risotto rest for a minute after cooking to allow flavors to fully meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 250mg
