Stove-Top Creamy Risotto (Printable)

Creamy Arborio rice cooked stove-top with mushrooms and Parmesan for a rich, comforting Italian dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 9 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (optional)

→ Liquids

06 - 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
07 - 1/2 cup dry white wine

→ Finishing

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. If using mushrooms, add and sauté until golden and moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in Arborio rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until grains are coated and slightly translucent at edges.
04 - Pour in white wine, stirring constantly, and cook until fully absorbed.
05 - Add warm broth one ladleful (approx. 1/2 cup) at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. Continue until rice is creamy and al dente, about 18–22 minutes.
06 - Remove pan from heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Add chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • A smooth, creamy texture achieved through careful simmering and constant stirring.
  • Versatile: choose mushrooms for an earthy flavor or Parmesan for classic richness.
  • Vegetarian-friendly, hearty enough as a main dish.
  • Elegant yet approachable, perfect for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.
02 -
  • Use warm broth rather than cold to maintain cooking temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • Stir gently but consistently to prevent sticking and encourage starch release for creaminess.
  • Choose high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
  • For a mushroom version, be sure to sauté mushrooms until moisture evaporates to avoid watery risotto.
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