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Creamy Seafood Rice Recipe


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

A rich and indulgent creamy seafood rice dish, combining shrimp, scallops, and a velvety sauce made with seafood broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is easy, customizable, and perfect for a comforting dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Rice & Base:

    • 2 cups arborio or long-grain rice
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup seafood or chicken broth
    • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • Seafood:

    • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • ½ lb scallops (or substitute with mussels or calamari)
  • Sauce & Seasoning:

    • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

  • Prepare the Seafood

    • Heat a large pan over medium heat with olive oil and butter.
    • Sauté shrimp and scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the Base

    • In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
    • Stir in the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  • Build the Creamy Sauce

    • Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), letting it evaporate.
    • Gradually add seafood broth, stirring frequently until absorbed.
    • Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  • Combine & Serve

    • Return seafood to the pan, mix gently, and simmer for 2 minutes.
    • Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter.
  • Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
  • Extra Umami: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or miso.
  • Cheesy Option: Add extra Parmesan or Gruyère.
  • Vegetable Additions: Peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: seafood, italian

Keywords: Creamy seafood rice, seafood risotto, shrimp and scallops rice, easy seafood dinner, one-pan seafood recipe