Seafood Risotto with Peas

Name: Seafood Risotto with Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups seafood broth; 1 cup white wine; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen); 200g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and calamari); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

Experience the delightful combination of fresh seafood and tender peas in this creamy risotto, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-11T20:37:05.585Z

This Seafood Risotto with Peas is a luxurious dish that brings the flavors of the ocean to your table. Creamy Arborio rice is cooked slowly, absorbing the essence of seafood and the sweetness of peas, resulting in a comforting meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture with a burst of seafood flavor
Bright green peas add a touch of sweetness and color
An impressive dish that's perfect for entertaining

      

The Art of Risotto

Risotto is a classic Italian dish renowned for its creamy texture and rich flavors. Made primarily with Arborio rice, which absorbs liquid beautifully, risotto requires a bit of attention and patience. Stirring frequently helps release the starch from the rice, resulting in that signature creaminess. While it may seem daunting at first, once you master the technique, you’ll find risotto is a versatile canvas for a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, and seafood.

In this Seafood Risotto with Peas, the combination of fresh seafood and sweet peas creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant. The use of seafood broth enhances the overall flavor, infusing the risotto with the essence of the sea. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also impresses with its beautiful presentation and enticing aroma, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Choosing the Right Seafood

When it comes to seafood risotto, the quality and freshness of the seafood are crucial. Opt for a mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari to provide a variety of textures and flavors. Fresh seafood will elevate your dish, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen seafood can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure it’s well-thawed and drained before adding it to the risotto to maintain the right consistency.

Seasonality also plays a role in your choice of seafood. In warmer months, you might find succulent shrimp and tender calamari, while cooler months may bring in robust mussels. Regardless of the type used, incorporating fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the dish and enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.

Tips for Perfect Risotto

One of the key tips for achieving the perfect risotto is to maintain a consistent stirring motion. This not only helps with the creamy texture but also prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Additionally, adding broth gradually allows the rice to absorb the liquid properly, ensuring even cooking. Patience is your best friend here—allow the rice to absorb the broth fully before adding more.

Another important factor is the heat level. Cooking risotto over medium heat helps to control the cooking process without rushing it. If you find that your risotto is cooking too slowly, you can slightly increase the heat, but be careful not to boil it, as that can lead to uneven cooking. With practice, you’ll find the right balance that works for you.

Ingredients

For the Risotto

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups seafood broth
1 cup white wine
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
200g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and calamari)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, bring the seafood broth to a gentle simmer and keep it warm over low heat.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.

Cook the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.

Add Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

Incorporate Broth Gradually

Begin adding the warm seafood broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.

Add Seafood and Peas

When the rice is almost al dente, stir in the mixed seafood and peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the risotto is creamy.

Finish with Butter and Season

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the risotto and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Seafood Risotto with Peas!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover risotto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help restore its creamy texture. Gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming. Avoid microwaving, as it can lead to a dry consistency.

Risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but with the right reheating techniques, you can still savor the flavors of this delightful dish. If you find yourself with too much risotto, consider transforming it into arancini. Simply form the leftover risotto into balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown for a delicious new dish.

Pairing Suggestions

Seafood Risotto with Peas pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in these wines complements the richness of the risotto and the flavors of the seafood. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing contrast.

For a complete meal, serve your risotto alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens balances the creaminess of the risotto, while adding a pop of color to your plate. Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread can complement the dish perfectly, allowing you to savor every last bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just ensure it's thawed before adding it to the risotto.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute seafood with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of seafood broth.

→ Can I prepare risotto in advance?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the base in advance and reheat it gently, adding a little broth to restore creaminess.

→ What type of rice is best for risotto?

Arborio rice is the traditional choice for risotto due to its high starch content, which creates a creamy texture.