Creamy Bacon Shrimp and Mushroom Risotto with Thyme and Parmesan

If you think a rich, creamy risotto is reserved for fancy restaurants, think again! This version is surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen. With succulent shrimp, crispy bacon and earthy roasted mushrooms, every bite is packed with flavor.

The secret lies in toasting Arborio rice with garlic and onion paste, then slowly simmering with stock until perfectly al dente. A touch of cheese roux and sour cream adds extra creaminess, while fresh thyme and Parmesan bring it all together. Garnish with scallion greens for a beautiful finish.

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Ingredients

1.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Vidalia Onion PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Button MushroomsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce ShrimpView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 teaspoon Dried ThymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Arborio RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Cheese Roux ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium pot, bring 5 cups water to a boil (use 8 cups for 4 servings), then reduce to a low simmer. Wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice mushrooms (skip if pre-sliced). Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Peel and mince or grate garlic.
2. Place bacon on one side of a baking sheet; toss mushrooms on empty side with a drizzle of oil, half the thyme (all for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until bacon is browned and crispy and mushrooms are tender, 15-20 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop.
3. While bacon and mushrooms roast, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add scallion whites; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute. Add garlic, rice, Vidalia onion paste and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings). Cook, stirring, until garlic is fragrant and rice is translucent at the edges, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add ½ cup simmering water and stock concentrate to pan with rice mixture; stir until liquid has mostly absorbed. Repeat with remaining simmering water-adding ½ cup at a time and stirring until liquid has mostly absorbed-until rice is al dente and risotto is creamy, 25-30 minutes. TIP: Depending on the size of your pan, you may need a little more or a little less liquid. If you prefer your risotto more al dente, cook for less time.
5. Once risotto is done, stir in cheese roux concentrate, sour cream and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) until creamy and combined. Stir in mushrooms, half the chopped bacon and half the Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and pepper. TIP: Risotto should be a little loose and saucy right before serving; it will thicken as it cools. If too thick, add a splash of water.
6. Divide risotto between bowls. Top with scallion greens, remaining chopped bacon and remaining Parmesan. Serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Arborio rice is ideal for risotto because of its high starch content, which creates a creamy texture. You can substitute with another short-grain rice like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, but avoid long-grain rice.

How do I know when the risotto is done?

The risotto is done when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). The texture should be creamy and flow slowly when you tilt the pan. It will thicken as it cools.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon and shrimp. Use vegetable stock concentrate instead of chicken and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like peas or asparagus.