If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. This luscious risotto balances the nutty, savory punch of freshly grated Parmesan with the smooth, velvety texture that only a perfectly cooked arborio rice can deliver. With every spoonful, you’ll experience a symphony of flavor and creaminess that’s so comforting, it feels like you’re being treated to a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe lies in its simplicity–each ingredient is carefully chosen to build that rich, harmonious flavor and the perfect creamy texture. These essentials come together effortlessly yet pack a delicious punch that’s sure to impress.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The foundation for sautéing shallots, adding that subtle fruity aroma and richness.
- 1 shallot (finely chopped): Provides a mild depth and sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the balance just right.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant kick that blends beautifully with the shallots and cheese.
- 1½ cups dry arborio rice: The star of this recipe, prized for its starch content that creates risotto’s signature creaminess.
- ½ cup white wine: Offers acidity and a subtle fruity brightness to lift the dish.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth, warmed and divided): Keeps the risotto moist and infuses savory depth throughout cooking.
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, giving the dish its irresistible cheesy flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for topping): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil and Sauté Shallots
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. The moment it shimmers, add the finely chopped shallot along with the kosher salt. Sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots become soft and translucent; this gentle cooking brings out natural sweetness and lays the aromatic groundwork for your risotto.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook Gently
Next, toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step is a delicate dance—too much heat can turn the garlic bitter, so keep it mellow to infuse the risotto with subtle warmth.
Step 3: Toast the Arborio Rice and Deglaze with Wine
Stir the arborio rice into the pan, coating each grain with olive oil and shallot goodness. Toast the rice briefly—it should become slightly translucent on the edges but remain opaque in the center. Then pour in the white wine and cook on low, stirring often, until the liquid evaporates. This adds an acidic note that balances the richness.
Step 4: Gradually Add Heated Broth
Now for the heart of creamy risotto: slowly adding warm chicken broth, about ½ cup at a time. After each addition, stir continuously until the liquid is fully absorbed before adding the next. This slow process encourages the rice to release its starch, crafting that unmistakable creamy texture.
Step 5: Achieve the Perfect Tenderness
Keep repeating the broth addition and stirring routine. After about 20 to 30 minutes, your rice should be tender yet firm to the bite with a luscious, creamy consistency enveloping each grain—exactly what a memorable risotto should be.
Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese
Finish your masterpiece by folding in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step introduces a silky richness and deep umami flavor that makes every bite heavenly. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to brighten both the look and taste.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnish, like freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan, can elevate your risotto to an elegant experience. A little cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving gives a luscious sheen and extra depth.
Side Dishes
Risotto shines wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, offering a contrast in textures. Grilled chicken or seared fish are perfect proteins to complete a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe in hollowed-out vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a charming presentation. You can also use mini ramekins or create a risotto cake by gently pan-frying spoonfuls until golden on the outside for an irresistible appetizer or party dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any risotto leftover, it keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
Freezing risotto isn’t ideal because of its creamy nature and texture changes. However, if you must, store it in an airtight container with a little extra broth stirred in to help maintain moisture. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
The trick to reheating risotto without losing its creaminess is to warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir frequently to revive the smooth texture that makes this dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use any rice other than arborio for this Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe?
Arborio rice is key to achieving that creamy consistency due to its high starch content. While you could try other short-grain varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, long-grain rice won’t give you the same texture.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of extra broth and a splash of lemon juice to mimic the wine’s acidity and brightness.
Is this risotto suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps this recipe completely vegetarian without compromising flavor or creaminess.
How can I make the risotto creamier?
Ensuring slow, gradual addition of warm broth and constant stirring is the key to creaminess. Additionally, stirring in extra Parmesan or a knob of butter at the end enhances that silky texture.
Can I add vegetables or proteins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, peas, asparagus, or shrimp are fantastic additions. Just add them near the end of cooking to maintain their texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a well-made risotto, and this Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish offers warmth, flavor, and a little touch of luxury in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that same joy of risotto done right.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 bowls)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Parmesan Risotto recipe features tender arborio rice cooked slowly with garlic, shallots, white wine, and chicken broth, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a side or main course.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups dry arborio rice
- ½ cup white wine
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth), warmed and divided
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until hot but not smoking.
- Sauté shallots: Add the finely chopped shallot and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the shallots are softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast rice and add wine: Stir the 1½ cups of arborio rice into the pan with the shallots and garlic, coating each grain in oil, then pour in ½ cup white wine. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the wine is mostly absorbed.
- Gradually add broth: Add ½ cup of warmed chicken broth to the rice, stirring continuously until the liquid is fully absorbed. Repeat this step, adding broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently to develop a creamy texture. Continue until all 4 cups of broth have been incorporated and the rice is tender but still al dente.
- Finish risotto: Stir in â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Spoon the risotto into bowls and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to better control saltiness.
- Keep the broth warm throughout cooking to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Stirring constantly helps to release the starch from the rice for a creamy texture.
- White wine can be substituted with more broth if preferred, but it adds depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
