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This Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto is rich, creamy, garlicky, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but keeps things light and guilt-free.

You know those moments when everyone’s diving into bowls of buttery, cheesy risotto and you’re trying to be good? That was me last weekend. Instead of missing out, I whipped up this Creamy Cauliflower Risotto made with cauliflower rice and juicy shrimp. It tastes just as comforting as the real thing, only lighter and faster. For a cozy, balanced meal, serve it with warm, flaky Sausage Rolls, the perfect pairing for something this creamy and satisfying.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Prawn) Cauliflower \"Risotto\" in a pan

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto has all the creamy, garlicky comfort of a classic risotto but without the heaviness. Using cauliflower rice instead of Arborio keeps it light and low-carb while still giving that cozy, satisfying texture everyone loves. The shrimp add sweetness and protein, turning it into a full, restaurant-quality meal you can make in minutes.

The secret to this Creamy Cauliflower Risotto is in the sauce. Butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan melt together into a luscious base that coats every grain of cauliflower rice. It’s quick, indulgent, and proof that healthy food doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.

What Goes Into Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto

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Top shot of ingredients: cauliflower, parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, cream, dry white wine, lemon juice, shrimp, butter, salt, lemon, garlic, and pepper.

This Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto comes together quickly with simple, flavorful ingredients that create a creamy, comforting dish without the extra carbs.

  • Cauliflower: The base of this low-carb risotto. Once pulsed into rice-sized pieces, it turns tender and creamy, soaking up every bit of that buttery, garlicky sauce.
  • Shrimp: Juicy, sweet, and perfectly seared, the shrimp add protein and a delicious seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cauliflower rice.
  • Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These two make the sauce irresistibly rich and silky, mimicking the texture of real risotto without using any rice at all.
  • Garlic and Lemon: Garlic brings depth and aroma, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up, keeping the dish fresh and balanced.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto

Putting the cauliflower in the blender.
  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Add 1 cup of cauliflower florets at a time to a blender or food processor. Pulse 3–5 times or until the texture resembles rice.
Searing the shrimp in the pan.
  1. Heat the Pan: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and sear until they just begin to change color.
Adding garlic and lemon juice in the pan.
  1. Add Garlic and Lemon: Stir in the crushed garlic and fresh lemon juice, letting them cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pouring olive oil and cauliflower to the pan.
  1. Incorporate the Cauliflower Rice: Pour in the olive oil and add the cauliflower to the pan. Stir and fry for a few minutes until coated.
Pouring the white wine and sprinkling the cheese in the pan.
  1. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and let it cook, covered, while stirring occasionally until the cauliflower turns tender.
Close-up shot of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto.
  1. Finish and Serve: Top your Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto with chopped parsley, cracked pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like it extra cheesy.

This Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto pairs beautifully with rich, meaty dishes that complement its creamy texture. Try it alongside Braised Lamb Shanks for a comforting dinner, or serve it with Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos for a fun mix of bold and light flavors. It’s also delicious next to Creamy Beef Stroganoff With Mushrooms, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced.

Tips For Making Shrimp Cauliflower Risotto

  • I always use fresh cauliflower when I can because it gives the risotto a better bite and texture. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it really well so it doesn’t turn soggy.
  • Keep an eye on the shrimp. Once they turn pink, they’re done. Overcooking them is the easiest way to lose that juicy, tender texture.
  • Want it extra indulgent? Add a little more white wine or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. You deserve it.
  • And please don’t skip the lemon. That fresh squeeze at the end lifts all the creamy flavors and makes the dish come alive.

Recipe FAQ’s

What Type Of Cream Should I Use?

Heavy cream gives the best texture, but light cream or half-and-half will also work if you want to cut the calories.

Do I Need To Add The White Wine?

The wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you’d rather skip it, you can replace it with extra cream or a splash of chicken broth.

Can I Make This Cauliflower Risotto Ahead Of Time?

You can, but it’s best served fresh. If you reheat it, do so gently over low heat and add a splash of cream to bring back the silky texture.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp (Prawn) Cauliflower \"Risotto\" on a pan

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5 from 3 votes

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Risotto

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5
The creamiest, low carb, good for you risotto complete with seared prawns, garlic and wine! In less than half the time it takes to make a normal Risotto. All in one pan at the cheap cost of zero guilt!
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 head large cauliflower leaves and stalk removed, chopped into florets
  • 14 oz prawns/shrimp peeled, tails intact
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1/2 medium lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil coconut oil
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste about 1-2 teaspoons
  • 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
  • Lemon wedges to serve

Instructions 

  • In a blender (or food processor) add 1 cup of cauliflower florets at a time (working in batches) and pulse each batch quickly about 3-5 times or until the cauliflower is the same consistency of rice. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat with remaining cauliflower until all done.
  • Melt butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add prawns (shrimp) and sear them while stirring them occasionally until they just start to change in colour. Add garlic and lemon juice and fry for an additional minute. Add the oil and the cauliflower ‘rice’ to the pan, and fry for a few minutes until glossy and coated in all of the pan flavours. Stir through the cream, wine and cheese. Season with salt; reduce heat to low, cover the pan and cook while stirring occasionally until cauliflower is creamy and tender (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Serve with parsley, pepper, lemon wedges and top with additional cheese if you like.

Notes

Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used for the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1.034IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

5 from 3 votes

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26 Comments

  1. Grite Storm says:

    5 stars
    Hello Karina, I found you by googling ‘cauliflower risotto’. Your recipe is awesome! I made it last night and hubby and I both absolutely loved it.
    We are low-carbers and thermomix owners, so I will post this recipe (with credentials of course) on the LCHF Thermo foodies Facebook page, which I follow, so that they can come up with a Thermomix conversion. I hope this brings you a lot of new followers!

  2. Staella says:

    Can I replace the cream with something else? When it’s straight milk, my stomach is not very happy lol or something with little less fat?

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Staella! You can try reduced fat coconut milk for a diary free option 🙂

  3. Mazza says:

    I loved the Warm chicken and Lentil stew so will give this one a try

    1. Karina says:

      I hope you enjoy this one Mazza!

  4. Diana says:

    Hi, I already love the recipe, it seems the most delicious thing I could taste and I’m very certain both mine and my family’s tastebuds willl be forever grateful.
    I just have a small question, if I changed the shrimp for chicken, would it still work? (I haven’t had the time to go buy shrimp, and I have enough chicken for three days)

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Diana. Thank you! Yes chicken should be fine for this!

  5. raumali says:

    Follow Up Comment – I took the leftovers for lunch to office the next day, and my team finished my entire lunch :D. one person even asked me for the recipe.:P

    1. Karina says:

      That’s so awesome Raumali! I’m so happy to hear!

  6. raumali says:

    First recipe I tried from your blog. And the most delicious dish I have cooked till date. I did tweak it a little according to my tastes but yummmm…..

  7. Wendy says:

    This sounds and looks to good to be true…definitely trying this one. Yum to everything in it!

    1. Karina says:

      Yay I hope you do Wendy! Thank you! It was a winner over here…I’m hooping you’ll love it as much as we did!

  8. foodyrach says:

    HA! No more nay-sayers in your family, eh? You had me at wine & parm.

    It does look really good! I like how the cauliflower looks like it gets a bit crisp. Is that so?

    1. Karina says:

      Yes it does! It crisps a little before adding in the cream, and then just softens on the inside. So hard to explain! But I’m glad you can see it through the photos 🙂

  9. Rachel says:

    This is perfect! I’m eating lower carb, and the fact that this takes less time than real risotto is just as appealing!

    1. Karina says:

      Thanks Rachel! Risotto for the win. Especially a low carb one 😉

  10. Lilybel Brito says:

    Omg I can’t! I am for sure making this ??

    Ps: Made the Hazelnut Brownies last week and they didn’t last a full 24hrs. My whole family loooooved them! Thank you!!!

    1. Karina says:

      Yaaaay you tried the brownies! That’s AWESOME! I hope you enjoy this one too! And you’re welcome Lilybel!