PanPotPlates
Back to Recipes

One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 29, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Mediterranean-Inspired 28 mins onepotquickeasypescatarianfamily-friendlyhealthyglutenfreedairyfreehighproteinweeknightseafoodshrimprisottoMediterranean

A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired one-pot shrimp risotto bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. This healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free seafood risotto makes a perfect high-protein weeknight pescatarian meal the whole family will love.

One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto
Prep 10 min
Cook 18 min
Total 28 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook18 min
Total28 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMediterranean-Inspired
Add To Favorites

Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (warmed)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional for mild heat

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with oil, cooking for 1-2 minutes until edges become translucent.
  4. Pour in white wine (if using) and cook, stirring frequently, until mostly absorbed.
  5. Begin adding warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently, allowing liquid to absorb before adding the next ladle.
  6. Continue this process for about 15 minutes until rice is creamy and just tender.
  7. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Push risotto slightly to the sides and add shrimp to the center of the pan.
  8. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then gently fold shrimp into the risotto.
  9. Turn off heat and stir in fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

Customize this One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto based on dietary needs or ingredient availability with these substitutions:

  • Shrimp: Substitute scallops or firm white fish for other pescatarian options. For vegetarian versions, use sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
  • Arborio Rice: Use other short-grain rice varieties or pearl barley (texture will vary slightly).
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth or stock cubes are excellent. For vegan versions, use vegetable broth only and replace shrimp with plant-based proteins.
  • Dry White Wine: Optional; replace with extra broth or a splash of lemon juice to maintain acidity if avoiding alcohol.
  • Fresh Herbs (parsley, basil): Swap with cilantro, thyme, or dill according to flavor preference.
  • Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or other mild-flavored oils suitable for sautéing.
  • Garlic and Onion: Shallots or leeks provide milder, sweeter alternatives.

These swaps keep the meal easy, healthy, family-friendly, and ideal for a quick, gluten-free, dairy-free weeknight dinner.

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe for One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto excels when prepared in a large deep skillet or wide saucepan. These cookware options ensure even heat distribution and ample space to sauté aromatics, toast Arborio rice, and gradually absorb cooking liquid with frequent stirring — all essential for creamy, perfectly cooked risotto.

Choose a skillet or saucepan with high sides to reduce splattering when ladling broth and to comfortably stir the rice and shrimp together. Using one pot not only minimizes cleanup but helps meld flavors beautifully for this Mediterranean seafood dish.

This quick and easy one-pot meal is ideal for weeknight dinners — select a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat retention and reduce the risk of scorching rice. Avoid small or shallow pans that can’t accommodate the liquid volume or required stirring.

In summary: Use a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan—preferably heavy-bottomed—for best results and easy one-pot cooking of this healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free shrimp risotto.

Cookware Size Guidance

For this One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto, we recommend a large deep skillet or wide saucepan with a capacity of 3 to 4 quarts (3 to 4 liters). This size offers enough room to sauté aromatics, toast the Arborio rice, and add broth gradually while stirring gently to develop the creamy risotto texture without overcrowding.

Cookware should have a heavy bottom to promote even heat distribution and prevent rice from sticking or burning as it slowly absorbs broth. A pan about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) in diameter with at least 3-inch (7.5 cm) sides is ideal for this 4-serving seafood risotto recipe.

Using a pan too small or shallow can cause uneven cooking or spills during stirring, while a pan too large may cause liquid to evaporate too quickly. Choosing the correct skillet or saucepan size helps achieve a smooth, creamy risotto perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This recipe, classified under One-Pot Pasta, is designed for quick, easy preparation and minimal cleanup using a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan to ensure even heat and sufficient stirring space.

If you don't have these exact pans, suitable alternatives include:

  • Deep Frying Pan or Sauté Pan with High Sides: These provide enough depth and even heating for gradual broth absorption.
  • Casserole Dish with Lid (used on stovetop): Ensure it's heavy-bottomed and fits your burner; careful stirring can prevent sticking.
  • Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Known for excellent heat retention and moisture control, ideal for creamy risotto texture.

Avoid: Thin or shallow frying pans and low-sided non-stick pans that don’t allow proper stirring or evaporation control essential for creamy risotto.

Selecting cookware that replicates the heat distribution and depth of a deep skillet or wide saucepan ensures your weeknight pescatarian seafood meal remains creamy, flavorful, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high-protein.

Leftovers Quality

This One-Pot Herb and Garlic Shrimp Risotto stores well for up to 2 days in an airtight container refrigerated. Due to delicate shrimp, consume leftovers within 48 hours to maintain flavor and ensure food safety.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps restore the creamy texture. Avoid overheating shrimp to prevent toughness.

While not ideal for long-term freezing because of seafood and risotto texture changes, this dish works well for short-term meal prep, fitting a quick, healthy, family-friendly pescatarian lifestyle.

Related Articles

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

Sign In To Review

No reviews yet.

Newsletter

Stay In The Loop

Get fresh recipes, articles, and updates from PanPotPlates.