Parmesan Risotto

Name: Parmesan Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Creamy and rich, this Parmesan Risotto recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen. Made with Arborio rice and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect as a side or a main course. Easily customizable with vegetables or proteins, it’s a delightful way to impress guests or simply treat yourself any night of the week.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2025-12-01T12:01:00.743Z

This recipe for Parmesan Risotto is inspired by traditional Italian cooking techniques that highlight the creamy texture and rich flavors of this beloved dish.

The Perfect Comfort Food

Parmesan risotto is not just a dish; it's an experience that warms the heart and delights the palate. The creamy texture of Arborio rice combined with the richness of Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious comfort food that is satisfying yet sophisticated. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served as part of a lavish dinner, this risotto elevates any meal into a special occasion.

What makes this risotto stand out is its versatility. While it shines on its own, it can easily be paired with a variety of proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also enhance the dish with seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or peas, adding both nutrition and vibrant color to your plate. This adaptability makes Parmesan risotto a staple for home cooks looking to impress.

Mastering the Risotto Technique

Cooking risotto might seem daunting at first, but once you master the technique, it becomes second nature. The key lies in the gradual addition of broth and constant stirring, which helps to release the starches in the rice, resulting in that characteristic creamy texture. Don’t rush the process; patience is your best friend in achieving the perfect risotto that’s neither too soupy nor too dry.

Using high-quality ingredients will significantly affect the final taste of your dish. Opt for fresh, aged Parmesan cheese, as its depth of flavor elevates the entire dish. Additionally, homemade broth—whether chicken or vegetable—will give your risotto an unparalleled flavor boost. With these tips in mind, you can confidently create a gourmet risotto that rivals any restaurant dish right in your own kitchen.

FAQs About Parmesan Risotto

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make a delicious Parmesan Risotto.

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can move on to the next steps in making the risotto.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a creamy and delightful Parmesan Risotto.

Prepare the broth

In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over medium heat and keep it warm.

Sauté the onion and garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent.

Cook the rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes until the rice is well-coated and slightly toasted.

Deglaze with wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it has mostly evaporated.

Add broth gradually

Begin adding the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring regularly. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding the next ladle.

Finish with cheese

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Your Parmesan Risotto is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Customizing Your Risotto

One of the greatest qualities of risotto is its adaptability. You can incorporate a variety of ingredients to match your season or mood. Spinach, mushrooms, or butternut squash can introduce different flavors, while proteins like chicken, seafood, or even a simple poached egg can transform it into a heartier meal.

Experimenting with herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor profile of your dish. A pinch of saffron or a handful of fresh basil can take your Parmesan risotto to the next level. Combine ingredients that complement each other to create a new favorite variation that you and your guests will adore.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover risotto, don’t fret! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture, then warm it over low heat while stirring to restore its creamy consistency.

For a fun twist, consider transforming leftover risotto into arancini—crispy risotto balls that make for a delightful appetizer. Simply mold the cold risotto into balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown. This way, nothing goes to waste, and you get to enjoy risotto in a new and exciting form!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of rice?

It is best to use Arborio rice for the creamy texture, but if unavailable, you can try Carnaroli or Vialone Nano.

→ Can I make risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best served fresh, but you can prepare the base ahead of time and reheat with a bit of broth.