Dairy Free Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto is an easy romantic meal to make for Valentine’s Day. The creaminess of the risotto, the juiciness of the shrimp, and the crisp asparagus pair so well together. I can’t say my daughters enjoy this dish in its entirety, but they sure love picking out the shrimp!

The first time I had shrimp and risotto was at a restaurant in Maryland in 2010. Before we had children, Brandon and I went out to eat for every occasion. We loved to try cozy Italian restaurants in Ellicott City, as well as fresh seafood restaurants in Fells Point. Shrimp and grits is a very similar dish and very common in Baltimore! I made up this recipe after failing at grits – risotto is much easier!
This recipe was first shared in 2019.
How to Make Dairy Free Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
Cooking risotto can be difficult if you don’t dedicate the required time and patience it takes to make the rice. There is a lot of stirring involved, as well as adding just a little bit of liquid at a time to achieve the creaminess you desire. Some of the best risotto dishes require dairy, but my recipe does not. If you want a completely dairy free recipe, omit the required parmesan cheese.
When it comes to cooking with dry white wine, I like to use a little bit of my favorite Sauvignon Blanc. There is a sweetness to Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s not overpowering. A lot of seafood dishes call for wine, like this easy shrimp pasta recipe. The alcohol burns off while cooking, so it is safe for kids. Serving a glass of the wine alongside your dish when it’s done is fun too!
Shrimp and Aspargus Risotto
Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 2 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 1 3/4 cups parmesan cheese optional
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 2/3 cup white wine dry
- 1 lb shrimp deveined
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 lb asparagus edges trimmed
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the vegetable stock to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and keep the liquid hot. 2. Cook asparagus in a large pot of boiling water for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. It will turn bright green! Drain and rinse with cold water. Keep this chilled in a bowl filed with ice cubes.3. In a heavy large saucepan over low heat, sautè the shallot in 2 tablespoons olive oil until it is translucent, stirring frequently. 4. Add the rice and stir for about 1 minute until a white spot appears in the center of the grains. Add the white wine and sir until it is absorbed, around 2 minutes. 5. Add 2/3 of the hot vegetable stock with a ladle. Increase to high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. 6. While the risotto is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add shrimp and cook until firm and pink. 7. WATCH THE RISOTTO! Add the remaining 1/4 of the stock using a ladle as he mixture thickens. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender, but still slightly firm in the center and the mixture is creamy.
8. Chop the asparagus into 2-3 inch pieces. Add the asparagus and shrimp to the risotto. Salt and pepper to taste. 9. OPTIONAL – Stir in parmesan cheese.
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