Description
This creamy mushroom risotto is a rich and comforting rice dish made with arborio rice, savory mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or elegant side, it’s a classic Italian-inspired recipe known for its luxurious texture and earthy flavor. Learn how to make creamy risotto with step-by-step instructions and essential cooking tips.
Ingredients
1 cup arborio rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button)
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups vegetable broth, warm
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt butter and cook the diced onion until soft and translucent, around 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the arborio rice and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
5. Begin adding the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.
6. Stir in the cooked mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra richness, you can substitute some of the broth with mushroom stock.
Stirring frequently is key to achieving the creamy consistency risotto is known for.
Don’t rinse the rice before cooking—its starch is essential for the texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg