Asparagus and Prawn Risotto

Name: Asparagus and Prawn Risotto
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Carnaroli rice 1 ½ cup; Asparagus 14.1 oz; Shrimp 1.25 lbs; Yellow onions ½; Vegetable broth about 4 ¼ cups; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Cream cheese 2.5 oz

it de fr es br

Gluten Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average
Note + the time to prepare the vegetable broth

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Silvia Sciattella

Asparagus and prawn risotto is one of those dishes that, honestly, brings the flavors of Northern Italy right to your table. You get this real taste of spring. It combines tender asparagus with fresh prawns, or mazzancolle—seriously good—for a delicate seafood twist. And look, it is not too overpowering at all. Inspired by those fancy Italian restaurant dishes with scampi—it's way easier and budget-friendly.

The secret? Well, it's the mantecatura. You know, stirring in butter and fresh cheese at the end. And makes it so so creamy and smooth. The kind of texture you crave. Northern Italians, they love Arborio rice because it soaks up all those flavors from the broth, white wine, and bits of sweet spring vegetables. Plus, that touch of lemon zest adds this brightness that you’ll really love. And the Parmesan cheese? It enhances the crisp asparagus and prawns.

If you’re trying to elevate your homemade risotto game, this shrimp and asparagus risotto is the way to go. Seriously, the combination of creamy rice, tender seafood, and those fresh green pops feels special—like you'd find in the Veneto or Lombardy regions. People often think a seafood risotto recipe is tough, but trust me, this one's pretty simple. The mantecatura method isn't difficult; it's just about giving it a good stir at the end. The result? A silky texture in every bite.

When asparagus is in season, you get this mix of fresh garden flavors and the savory taste of the sea. Perfect for a gathering or just a change from the usual dinner routine. This Italian seafood risotto recipe brings cheer to the table, making any night feel like a spring celebration. Really, it can't go wrong.

INGREDIENTS

Carnaroli rice 1 ½ cup (320 g)

Asparagus 14.1 oz (400 g)

Shrimp 1.25 lbs (550 g)

Yellow onions ½

Vegetable broth 4 ¼ cups (1 l) - about

Extra virgin olive oil to taste

Fine salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

To mix: Cream cheese 2.5 oz (70 g)

Preparation

How to prepare Asparagus and Prawn Risotto

To make asparagus and prawn risotto, first prepare the vegetable broth following our recipe and keep it warm. Clean the asparagus and boil them in a pot starting with cold water for about ten minutes from when the water reaches a boil 1. Meanwhile, clean the prawns by removing the head and shell 2, then cut along the back and gently remove the intestine 3.

When the asparagus are cooked, coarsely chop the stems and set aside the tips 4. Transfer the stems to a mixer with some of the cooking water 5 and blend to obtain a smooth cream 6.

Now clean and thinly slice the onion 8, then sauté it in a pan with the oil for a few minutes 8. When the onion is softened, add the asparagus cream 9.

Add the rice 10 and stir everything for a couple of minutes 11, then start pouring in one ladle of broth at a time 12. Cook the rice, adding broth as needed.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in another pan 13, add the prawns and asparagus tips 14 and sauté for 2 minutes on high heat 15. Salt and pepper to taste.

When the rice is cooked, transfer the prawns and asparagus tips to the pan 16 and mix everything together. Turn off the heat and blend with the creamy cheese 17, mix well and serve your asparagus and prawn risotto 18!

Storage

It is recommended to consume the asparagus and prawn risotto immediately. You can store it in the refrigerator for one day, in an airtight container.

Tip

If you wish, you can replace the fresh spreadable cheese with butter or a splash of fresh cream to give creaminess to the asparagus and prawn risotto.

Do you have any leftover prawns? Prepare a quick and easy second course like Pan-Seared Prawns!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.