Risotto ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood Risotto with Prawns, Mussels and Squid)

Creamy, wave-loose rice and sweet shellfish define risotto ai frutti di mare, an Italian seafood risotto made to be served as soon as it comes off the heat. Arborio rice is gently toasted, then coaxed with hot fish stock and white wine until the grains are tender but still distinct, giving the dish its characteristic gloss without heaviness. Prawns, mussels and squid are added near the end so they stay juicy, tender and clean-tasting, while lemon, parsley and black pepper lift the savoury depth of the stock. It is a polished dinner dish, but still practical: the key is steady stirring, hot stock, and keeping the seafood just cooked.
Cuisine style Italian coastal cooking
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Creamy without heaviness: Gradually adding hot stock helps the arborio rice release starch, giving the risotto its naturally creamy texture.
  • Seafood depth: Fish stock, white wine, garlic and the juices from the mussels build a savoury base that supports the prawns and squid.
  • Fresh finish: Lemon and parsley lift the richness of the rice and butter, keeping the final dish bright rather than heavy.

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Timing notes

  • Serve immediately: Risotto continues to thicken as it stands, so serve it as soon as it has rested briefly and still spreads slowly on the plate.
  • Prepare the seafood while the rice cooks: Cleaning mussels, peeling prawns and slicing squid can be done during the risotto cooking time to keep the workflow efficient.

Texture tips

  • Keep the stock hot: Adding hot stock a ladle at a time keeps the rice cooking evenly and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.
  • Add seafood at the end: Prawns, squid and mussels cook quickly, so stirring them in only once the rice is almost tender helps prevent toughness.
  • Loosen before serving: If the risotto becomes too thick, stir in a little more hot fish stock just before serving.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose suitable risotto rice: Arborio rice gives the dish its creamy body while keeping enough bite in the centre of each grain.
  • Check mussels carefully: Discard cracked mussels, any that do not close when tapped, and any that remain closed after cooking.
  • Use lemon to balance: Add lemon juice to taste at the end, especially if omitting the wine, to keep the finish lively.

Ingredient swaps

  • Without wine: Use extra fish stock in place of the white wine and add a little more lemon juice at the end for brightness.
  • Without butter: Finish with extra virgin olive oil off the heat for a lighter, dairy-free result.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Pour the fish stock into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer, then keep it hot over a low heat. This is key for a creamy risotto.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Finely chop the onion, add it with the salt, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and translucent, not browned.
  3. Crush the garlic and stir it in for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes until the grains look slightly translucent at the edges.
  4. Pour in the wine and stir until it has almost completely evaporated. Add a ladle of hot stock and stir gently until absorbed, then repeat a ladle at a time, keeping the risotto at a steady simmer.
  5. While the rice cooks, peel the prawns if needed and check the mussels, discarding any that are cracked or do not close when tapped. Slice the squid into rings if it is whole.
  6. When the rice is almost tender and the risotto is loose and creamy, stir in the prawns, squid and mussels. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the prawns are pink, the squid is just tender, and the mussels have opened; discard any mussels that stay closed.
  7. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the butter until glossy. Finely grate in a little lemon zest, squeeze in lemon juice to taste, then add the pepper and finely chop and stir through the parsley. Rest for 2 minutes, then serve straight away.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Aim for a risotto that slowly spreads on the plate; if it gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of hot fish stock just before serving.
  • Do not overcook the squid: add it only at the end so it stays tender rather than turning rubbery.
  • If you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the seafood is thoroughly cooked and the mussels are fully opened before eating.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dry White Wine with the same amount of Fish stock, adding a little extra Lemon juice at the end to keep the finish bright.
  • Replace Unsalted butter with Extra virgin olive oil for a lighter finish, stirring it in off the heat.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of fish stock, stirring until piping hot; avoid overcooking the seafood.

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Risotto ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood Risotto with Prawns, Mussels and Squid)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 55min (35min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans Milk Molluscs

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