Hey y’all! If you’ve ever craved a dreamy, creamy risotto that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant, you’re in the right place. The Best EVER Risotto Recipe delivers velvety rice, rich flavor, and a hint of Parmesan perfection—making it ideal for cozy nights in, impressive dinner parties, or a special treat anytime. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Ultra-creamy, luscious texture that’s pure comfort food.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or herbs.
- Easy-to-follow steps make it approachable for beginners.
- Elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple for weeknight dinners.
- Loaded with bold, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, kept warm
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Zest from 1 lemon
How to Make The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the Arborio rice to the pan, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. The grains should look slightly translucent around the edges—a crucial step for that creamy risotto texture!
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine, stirring until it’s mostly absorbed (about 2-3 minutes). This adds a burst of flavor and helps build the base for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe.
Step 4: Add Broth Gradually
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add ½ cup of warm chicken broth, stirring gently and frequently. Once absorbed, add more broth—½ cup at a time—stirring and allowing each addition to absorb before adding the next. This process takes about 18–20 minutes. The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add lemon zest for a fresh finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot!
Notes for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Always keep your broth warm—it helps the rice cook evenly and prevents temperature drops. Learn more about proper risotto technique.
- Stir frequently, but not constantly, to release starch and create that signature creaminess.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Variations of The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Mushroom Risotto: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy depth.
- Lemon & Pea Risotto: Add 1 cup frozen peas and extra lemon zest during the final 5 minutes.
- Seafood Risotto: Fold in sautéed shrimp or scallops just before serving for a luxurious twist.
Required Equipment for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small saucepan (to keep broth warm)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan
Storage Instructions for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture. Read more about rice safety and storage.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serves beautifully alongside grilled chicken, pork, or seared salmon.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Pro Tips for The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Use only Arborio or Carnaroli rice for the creamiest results. See which rice is best for risotto.
- Don’t overcook! Risotto should be tender yet slightly al dente for the best texture.
- Finish with high-quality Parmesan for the richest, most authentic flavor.
FAQ: The Best EVER Risotto Recipe
- Can I make risotto without wine?
- Yes! Simply substitute extra broth for the wine—the result is still delicious and creamy.
- How do I know when risotto is done?
- The rice should be tender with a slight bite (al dente), and the consistency should be creamy—not soupy or dry.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Absolutely—just use a larger pan and be prepared for a few extra minutes of cooking and stirring.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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2Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with oil and butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges of the rice become translucent.
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3Pour in the white wine and stir until it is fully absorbed by the rice.
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4Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.
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5Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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