
How to Make Perfect Creamy Risotto
Ready to stir up some magic? Let's tackle the art of creamy, dreamy risotto together! This recipe transforms humble rice into a luscious, velvety dish that's pure comfort. Trust me, with a little patience (and a lot of love), you'll be spooning up perfection in no time!
4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Ingredients
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1 small onion, finely chopped
- •2 garlic cloves, minced
- •1 cup Arborio rice
- •1/2 cup dry white wine
- •4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •Salt to taste
- •Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- •2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- 4
Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all grains are coated in the oil and butter.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the wine is mostly evaporated.
- 6
Begin adding the warmed stock, one ladleful at a time, to the rice while stirring continuously. Allow the liquid to absorb before adding the next ladle.
- 7
Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, yet slightly al dente, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- 8
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 9
Remove from heat and allow the risotto to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- 10
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Calories
320 calories per serving
Protein
8g
Carbs
40g
Fat
12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
A: Arborio rice is ideal for risotto because of its high starch content, which creates the creamy texture. However, you can use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano as substitutes. Avoid using long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine, as they won't achieve the same creaminess.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for white wine?
A: If you prefer not to use white wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock plus a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to mimic the acidity. This will help maintain the flavor balance in the dish.
Q: Why is my risotto too dry or too mushy?
A: If your risotto is too dry, it may be because you didn't add enough stock or allowed the liquid to evaporate too quickly. Add more warm stock, one ladle at a time, and stir to achieve the desired consistency. If it's too mushy, you may have overcooked the rice or added too much liquid at once. Be sure to add the stock gradually and check the rice frequently for doneness.
Q: Can I make this risotto ahead of time?
A: Risotto is best served fresh, as the creamy texture can change when reheated. However, if you need to make it ahead, cook it until it's just underdone, then cool it quickly. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of warm stock or water to loosen the consistency.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover risotto?
A: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken or vegetable stock to loosen the texture and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may dry out the dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain animal rennet.
Q: What are some variations or add-ins I can try?
A: You can customize this risotto by adding cooked vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or peas during the final stages of cooking. For a protein boost, stir in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or crispy pancetta. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Gruyere, for unique flavors.
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