Name: Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken broth, kept warm; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Hey y’all! Are you craving a creamy, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? This risotto recipe is your ticket to authentic Italian flavor, whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing entrée for entertaining, or a special side to impress your guests. With its luscious, tender rice and rich savory taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Risotto Recipe

Creamy and dreamy texture that feels gourmet yet is totally achievable at home.
Customizable flavor profile—make it veggie-friendly or add your favorite proteins.
Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
Perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions.
Ready in just around 35 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients for Creamy Risotto Recipe

1 ½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (kept warm)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions: Step-by-Step Risotto Recipe

1. Prepare Your Broth

In a medium saucepan, heat your broth over low heat and keep it warm throughout the cooking process. Warm broth ensures the risotto cooks evenly and achieves its signature creamy texture.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the pan and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. This step gives the rice a nutty flavor and helps it absorb liquid evenly.

4. Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds depth and brightness to the finished risotto recipe.

5. Add Broth Gradually

Begin adding the warm broth one ladleful (about ½ cup) at a time, stirring gently after each addition and waiting until the liquid is nearly absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes in total. You may not use all the broth.

6. Finish Your Risotto Recipe

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted, creamy, and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips

Always use warm broth—it helps the rice absorb liquid evenly for a truly creamy risotto (source).
Don’t rush the process: consistent stirring is key to releasing the starch from the rice.
For a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth—learn more about broth choices here.

Risotto Recipe Variations

Mushroom Risotto: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms during the sauté step with onion for an earthy, umami boost.
Seafood Risotto: Stir in 1 cup cooked shrimp or scallops in the last 3 minutes of cooking for a decadent twist.
Lemon & Herb Risotto: Add the zest and juice of one lemon and a handful of fresh herbs for a bright, springy flavor.

Required Equipment for Risotto Recipe

Large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven
Medium saucepan
Ladle for broth
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Cutting board and knife

Risotto Recipe Storage Instructions

Leftover risotto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring until creamy again. Avoid freezing risotto, as the texture changes and becomes grainy.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Risotto Recipe

Pair your risotto with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein.
Enjoy with a glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Risotto Recipe Pro Tips

Consistent stirring is essential—don’t walk away while cooking to ensure the ideal creamy consistency (source).
Arborio rice is the best choice, but Carnaroli or Vialone Nano are great alternatives for extra creaminess.
Add your Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent stringiness and ensure smooth melding.

Risotto Recipe FAQ

Can I make risotto ahead of time?: While risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you can partially cook it, spread on a tray to cool, and finish with broth just before serving.
What can I use instead of white wine?: Extra broth or a splash of lemon juice works well in place of white wine, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I know when my risotto is done?: The grains should be tender but slightly firm in the center (al dente) and the mixture creamy but not soupy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Risotto Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Risotto Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Risotto Recipe