If you’re looking for a creamy, satisfying meal that’s both gluten free and quick enough for a weeknight, this Easy Lemon Risotto with Shrimp is your new go-to. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant quality dinner on the table, packed with zesty citrus flavor and tender, garlicky shrimp. Whether you’re searching for recipes for risotto with shrimp or need a dependable lemon garlic shrimp recipe, this dish will deliver!

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Risotto Recipe

This shrimp risotto recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and freshness. The risotto is rich and creamy without any cream—just good arborio rice and a little patience. The shrimp are sautéed in garlic and lemon, adding brightness and depth to every bite. Best of all, it's naturally gluten-free, relying on simple pantry ingredients that make it safe and satisfying for those avoiding gluten.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (gluten-free)
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or use more broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

1. Warm the broth: In a saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer. Keep it on low heat while you cook.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. This is your garlicky lemon shrimp—bursting with flavor. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté: In the same skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in the arborio rice, ½ teaspoon salt and toast for 1-2 minutes.
4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the wine and stir until mostly absorbed. Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each ladle is mostly absorbed before adding the next. This process takes about 18–20 minutes.
5. Finish the risotto: Once the rice is tender and creamy, stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and season to taste. Fold in the cooked shrimp, or serve them on top for a more elegant presentation.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest if desired.

Dairy Free Ingredient Swaps for Butter and Parmesan cheese

You can easily make this Lemon Risotto with Shrimp dairy free without sacrificing flavor or creaminess. Here's how:

• Replace the 2 tablespoons of butter with an equal amount of olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter (like Earth Balance).
• For that cheesy, umami flavor, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
  

A Versatile Lemon Risotto Recipe

This lemon risotto recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian twist. Looking for more recipes for risotto with shrimp? Try adding a touch of chili flakes or herbs like thyme or basil for a bold flavor.

Whether you’re craving a risotto recipe with shrimp or an elegant yet easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe, this dish checks every box—creamy, bright, naturally gluten-free, and ready in just 30 minutes. Dinner just got deliciously simple.

Let's cook!