Parmesan risotto is a creamy and comforting dish made with rice, butter, and lots of cheese. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it so inviting.
What’s great about this risotto is that it’s super easy to make. Just keep stirring while it cooks and let the magic happen! I love serving it with some herbs on top for a pop of color and taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Arborio Rice: This is the star of the show! Arborio rice is high in starch, which gives risotto its creamy texture. If you can’t find it, look for Carnaroli or Vialone Nano rice as they work well too.
Broth: Using homemade chicken or vegetable broth adds so much flavor! If you’re short on time, store-bought broth is a good option too. Just check for low-sodium varieties if you’re watching your salt intake.
Onion: I recommend using a yellow onion for a mild sweetness. If you’re out of onions, shallots can be a nice substitute for a slightly different flavor.
White Wine: While it’s optional, white wine adds acidity and depth. If you’d rather skip it, use extra broth or a squeeze of lemon juice instead for brightness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works too but it has a stronger taste. Nutritional yeast is a good plant-based option for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get Creamy Risotto Every Time?
The key to creamy risotto is all in the stirring! It’s important to gradually add warm broth, allowing it to absorb into the rice. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use medium heat to keep a gentle simmer and stir constantly for even cooking.
- Start with a sautéed onion base to build flavor before adding the rice.
- After adding each ladle of broth, stir frequently until nearly all the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- This process helps release the starch in the rice, creating that desirable creamy texture.
Patience is your friend here, so keep stirring, and you’ll end up with a delicious, comforting risotto that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making Parmesan risotto takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking and stirring to achieve that perfect creamy texture. It’s fairly quick and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
2. Toast the Rice:
Add the Arborio rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice grains with oil and butter, and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the rice to be slightly toasted, but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the Wine:
Pour in the white wine (if you’re using it) and stir constantly. Allow the wine to mostly absorb into the rice, giving it an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer to skip the wine, just add a bit of broth instead!
4. Stir in the Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the warm broth! Use a ladle to scoop up the broth and pour it into the pan. Stir frequently and wait for most of the liquid to be absorbed before adding another ladle. Repeat this step for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender but still has a little bite to it.
5. Finish with Cheese and Butter:
Once the risotto is done, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until everything is creamy and fully combined. Yum!
6. Season to Taste:
Give your risotto a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. If you like a hint of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the risotto immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Garnish each plate with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for that beautiful finish. Enjoy your comforting and scrumptious Parmesan Risotto!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Arborio Rice?
It’s best to stick with Arborio rice for risotto as it has a higher starch content, which gives the dish its signature creaminess. Brown rice won’t produce the same texture and will require a longer cooking time.
How Can I Store Leftover Risotto?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze Risotto?
Yes, you can freeze risotto! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a little broth to restore creaminess.
What Can I Add to Enhance the Flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or roasted garlic during the cooking process. You can also top the finished risotto with crispy pancetta or fresh herbs for added texture and taste!
