Parmesan Lobster Risotto

In case you want a healthy and decadent dinner with more than 20g protein ✨

This parmesan risotto is creamy, cheesy, and tastes like a 5-star meal! The best part is that it’s super easy to make and even stores and reheats well if you need a prep-friendly dinner for a busy week 

I used the Maine lobster from @shoplegalseafoods, which was fresh, delicious, and a great lean source of protein. But this risotto is versatile and you can use pretty much any protein like shrimp, chicken, or beef

Recipe makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Crispy Shrimp

• •      3 cups chicken broth

  •      ½ tsp smoked paprika

  •      ½ tsp dried tarragon

  •      ½ tsp dried thyme

  •      ¼ tsp cayenne

  •      ¼ tsp pepper

  •      1 tbsp butter

  •      1 tbsp olive oil

  •      1 onion, diced

  •      3 garlic cloves, minced

  •      1 cup arborio rice

  •      ½ cup white wine

  •      Salt, to taste

  •      ½ cup frozen peas

  •      ¾ cup parmesan, grated (plus a little extra for topping)

  •      3 cups lobster meat, diced (or another protein)

Directions

1. In a small sauce pan, combine the chicken broth and the seasonings. Bring it to a light boil, then reduce heat so it stays simmering with the lid on.

2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron over medium heat. Add the onion, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, let cook again for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

3. Add arborio rice and allow it to cook (stirring so it doesn’t stick) for 3-5 minutes or until rice begins to brown and become translucent. Add wine and let it cook down for 1 minute.

4. Add one ladle (about ½ cup) of the simmering broth to the pan. Mix to incorporate it with the rice, then cover and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Repeat one ladle at a time until the broth is gone, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This should take 10-15 minutes.

5. At this point, the rice should be soft with a slight bite - taste and check the texture. If the rice isn’t soft enough, you can add a little more broth or water (using the same technique as above) until the texture is right. Add salt if needed, especially if you used low-sodium broth.

6. When the rice is done, add the frozen peas, mixing until warm.

7. Turn off the heat, then add the parmesan and mix until melted. Add the lobster meat and gently mix again.

8. Serve topped with fresh parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info (per serving): 545 calories | 13g fat | 46g carbs | 1g fiber | 21g protein