The Best Easy Risotto Recipe
So, what is risotto, anyway? Risotto is sometimes described as being the rice version of mac and cheese. A northern Italian dish, it is made by cooking starchy, short-grain rice with stock or broth until it becomes tender and creamy. It is also often given a boost of flavor with butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese as you’ll find in this recipe. If you’re wondering if risotto is difficult to make, the answer is not at all. A cross between rice and pasta, it comes together on the stovetop for a fairly hands-off recipe. You’ll find that one batch makes enough to feed up to 6 people, making it perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals. You can also easily half or double the recipe to fit your needs. Plus, it stores and reheats well, meaning you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Simple yet elegant, the tender rice bursts with savory flavor and a satisfying, creamy texture. Warm and satisfying, this Parmesan risotto recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will make you feel like you’re dining at a 5-star restaurant. One bite and it will become a new favorite in your recipe lineup.
Parmesan Risotto Recipe Ingredients
Low-sodium chicken broth Unsalted butter: Salted butter is fine too you just won’t need to add as much salt to the sauce.
Yellow onion
Arborio rice: I don’t recommend substituting this with any other rice as the texture of your risotto recipe won’t be the same.
Garlic: Whole, fresh cloves will work best.
White wine: You’ll want a crisp, dry, unoaked white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Hot water: Use as little or as much as needed to thin out the consistency.
Parmesan cheese: For the best flavor, I recommend imported Parmigiano Reggiano.
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
How to Make Risotto with Parmesan
Possible Variations
Vegetable risotto: If you want to add extra nutrients, sauté your favorite vegetables along with the onion. Any veggies you have on hand can be used. For instance, mushrooms, spinach, butternut squash, broccoli, and peas all add incredible flavor. For mushroom risotto I like to use 8 to 16 oz sauteed sliced mushrooms. High-protein: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by topping it off with your favorite protein like garlic lemon butter shrimp, bacon, pancetta, grilled chicken, or blackened salmon. Extra cheesy: To make your Parmesan risotto extra cheesy, you could stir in extra Mozzarella, sharp Cheddar, Fontina, or Gruyére cheese.
Helpful Tips
Don’t rush the process. This risotto recipe has a cook time of about 30 minutes. Turning up the heat in an effort to speed it up will only result in crunchy, undercooked rice. After the wine is added and completely absorbed, avoid stirring constantly. Instead, fold the broth into the risotto one cup at a time, stirring every so often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Mixing the rice too much can alter the texture and make it gooey.
How to Store and Reheat
This risotto can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 10-second intervals, being careful not to let your risotto overcook. Alternatively, you can warm a larger portion over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. Add an extra splash of broth as needed to freshen your leftovers back up.
Can I freeze this recipe?
I don’t recommend freezing risotto as the texture of the rice can become hard, and the dish is likely to be grainy once thawed. For the best results, I recommend storing leftovers in the fridge.
What do you eat risotto with?
You’ll find that this Parmesan risotto recipe is extremely versatile and can be served with a wide variety of protein and veggies. For example, some of my favorite pairings include grilled steak, one sheet pan Parmesan crusted salmon with roasted broccoli, and Parmesan crusted chicken.
Is risotto the same as orzo?
Not quite. Risotto is an Italian dish that consists of rice and broth. Meanwhile, orzo is a grain-shaped pasta. Some risotto recipes use orzo as a substitute for rice, but they are not the same things.
More Flavorful Rice Recipes To Try
Garlic Butter Rice
Coconut Rice
Fried Rice
Fiesta Rice Recipe
Mexican Rice
Cilantro-Lime Rice
