Cajun Shrimp Risotto 🍤🔥🍚 Creamy Parmesan Risotto Spiked With Cajun Heat and Topped With Bold, Juicy Shrimp

This is risotto turned comfort food with an attitude — the slow-stirred creaminess you love, now punched up with smoky Cajun spices, sweet seared shrimp, and a finishing kick of lemon and herbs. Think New Orleans meets Northern Italy in one irresistible bowl.

Perfect for cozy nights, flavor-forward guests, or when you want a single pan to bring the heat.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the shrimp

• ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes

For the risotto

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ small onion or 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine (or broth)
• 3–3½ cups warm chicken or seafood broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice + zest of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or scallions

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a little oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Start the Risotto

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir 1 minute more.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add Arborio rice and toast 1–2 minutes until edges look translucent. Deglaze with white wine and let it mostly absorb.

Step 4: Build the Creaminess

Add warm broth ½ cup at a time, stirring regularly. Let each addition absorb before adding more. Continue 18–22 minutes until rice is tender and creamy.

Step 5: Finish and Fold

Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan, butter, lemon zest, and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Fold in seared shrimp or arrange on top. Sprinkle with parsley or scallions.

Step 6: Serve

Plate hot and garnish with extra Cajun seasoning, chili oil, or lemon wedges for brightness.

Flavor Variations

• Stir in corn, spinach, or diced bell peppers for color and texture
• Add smoked paprika or chipotle for depth
• Finish with a spoon of cream cheese or hot sauce for a creamy-kick combo
• Swap shrimp for blackened scallops or crawfish tails
• Use shrimp stock for next-level seafood richness

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — sear separately and fold in last
• Keep the broth warm to maintain risotto’s flow
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste — some blends run salty
• Let risotto rest off heat a minute or two for ideal texture
• For extra heat, stir in a dash of Tabasco or cayenne at the end

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp Risotto is bold, creamy, and spiked with just enough heat to make it exciting without overwhelming the comfort. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you worked all day — but only took one pan and a stir.

Sear it. Stir it. Spice it bold. 🍤🔥🍚⚡

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

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🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
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