Easy Creamy Risotto Recipe

This Easy Risotto recipe is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It features a creamy, flavorful rice dish that’s cooked slowly with broth and white wine, then finished with butter and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Easy Risotto

• Creamy and Flavorful: This risotto has a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making risotto! This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
• Versatile: You can customize this risotto with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein to create a variety of delicious meals.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this risotto is always a winner.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Easy Creamy Risotto

For the Risotto:

• Chicken Stock: I use homemade chicken stock for the best flavor, but you can also use store-bought stock.
• Saffron Threads: These are optional, but they add a beautiful golden color and a unique flavor to the risotto.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the risotto.
• White Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Finely chopped garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Risotto Rice: I use Arborio rice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of risotto rice, such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.
• Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to the risotto. You can substitute with water if you prefer.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the risotto to taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and creaminess to the risotto.

To Serve:

• Parmesan Cheese: More Parmesan cheese for serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Mushroom Risotto: Add some sautéed mushrooms to the risotto for an earthy flavor.
• Spring Risotto: Add some fresh peas and asparagus to the risotto for a springtime twist.
• Seafood Risotto: Add some shrimp, scallops, or mussels to the risotto for a seafood feast.
• Tomato Risotto: Stir in some chopped tomatoes or tomato paste for a tangy twist.

How to Make Easy Creamy Risotto

Step 1: Warm the Stock

Place a large saucepan on the stovetop over high heat. Add the chicken stock to the saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the stock begins to boil, immediately reduce the heat to low and keep the stock warm throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Infuse Saffron (Optional)

If using saffron, transfer a ladle of the warm chicken stock to a small bowl and add the saffron threads. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and continue sautéing until the onion and garlic have softened, about 1 minute more. Be careful not to brown the onion or garlic.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the risotto rice to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice appears golden and translucent.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine (or water) and stir to incorporate, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced.

Step 6: Add the Stock and Cook the Risotto

Add a ladle of the warm stock, the saffron-infused stock (if using), salt, and pepper to the rice mixture. Stir gently until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the warm stock in small increments, stirring constantly after each addition until the rice has completely absorbed the liquid before adding more. This process can take 20-25 minutes. Be patient and don’t rush! The risotto is done when the rice is tender but not mushy and the mixture is creamy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the remaining butter and Parmesan cheese and stir gently until the butter has melted completely. Taste the risotto and adjust the salt and pepper as desired. Divide the risotto evenly between serving plates or bowls, top with additional Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Rinse the Rice: Do not rinse the rice before cooking it. The starch on the rice is what helps create the creamy texture of the risotto.
• Warm Stock: Make sure the chicken stock stays warm throughout the cooking process. Adding cold stock to the rice will stop the cooking process.
• Stirring: Stir the risotto frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve

This Easy Risotto is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: The risotto pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or even steak.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, would also be a great side dish.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this creamy risotto.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can cook the risotto ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
• Storing: Store leftover risotto in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the risotto on the stovetop over low heat with a little bit of extra broth or water, stirring frequently, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?
Arborio rice is the most common type of rice used for risotto, but you can also use other types of risotto rice, such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. If you don’t have any risotto rice on hand, you can try using a short-grain sticky rice, but the texture of the risotto may be slightly different.

Can I make this risotto vegetarian?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this risotto vegetarian.

Can I add other ingredients to the risotto?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein to the risotto. Just be sure to add them at the appropriate time during the cooking process. For example, if you’re adding vegetables, you can sauté them with the onion and garlic in the beginning. If you’re adding protein, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, you can stir it in towards the end of the cooking process, just before adding the final butter and Parmesan cheese.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Easy Risotto. I hope you enjoy it!

Print