Easy Creamy Parmesan Risotto
You will love this creamy parmesan risotto recipe, it’s a delicious side for your favorite meal! This recipe combines Arborio rice, white wine, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a velvety dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or elegant dinner.
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Risotto is one of those recipes that’s typically labeled as a bit “fussy”, but it doesn’t have to be. This recipe is fool-proof! You will love it. I serve it alongside grilled salmon or shrimp at my house. The parmesan flavor is the perfect compliment, and it feeds a crowd so it’s also suitable for a dinner party or gathering!
This easy parmesan risotto takes a bit of stirring at the stove, so be sure you’re nearby when cooking. It’s super easy, but you do need to stir it along the way! Trust me, it’s worth it! This risotto is so creamy and delicious. Risotto has a rich texture that makes it the perfect easy side dish for a quick meal or an elegant dinner party addition.
One of the number questions about risotto is what kind of rice can you use…
What Rice is Best for Risotto?
Arborio rice is the star ingredient here. Its high starch content gives risotto its characteristic creamy texture. While other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano can also be used, Arborio is widely available and works wonderfully. You can find it in your grocery store’s rice section.
More Recipe Tips
SAUTE TIPS: Properly sautéing the onions and garlic is crucial for building flavor. Aim for a translucent, not browned, appearance! Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
WHITE WINE: Don’t skip the wine! It adds depth and complexity to the dish. Opt for a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Let it simmer until mostly absorbed. If you prefer to omit wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of extra chicken broth.
ADD BROTH SLOWLY: Add warm chicken broth gradually, one spoonful at a time. This ensures that the rice releases its starch resulting in that delicious creamy consistency! Be sure to stir frequently.
PARMESAN CHEESE: Parmesan cheese is the star of this dish. I highly recommend fresh grated parmesan for the best flavor!
While mushroom risotto is a popular flavored variety, I love this parmesan risotto because it’s flavorful and pairs well with everything! Plus, my daughter loves it, and that’s a major win because she’s 4 and everything is a hit or miss with her. So I’m thankful she loves this parmesan risotto! Win!
Reheating Risotto
If you have leftover risotto, reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the risotto to become dry and rubbery.
I hope you love this parmesan risotto as much as my family! If you experiment with other flavor varieties, let me know in the comments. I love trying new risotto flavors!
More Dishes We Love:
Skillet Pimento Mac & Cheese
Garlic Cheese Crescent Swirl
Southern Tomato Pie
Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion - chopped
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth and water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to simmer, and cover.
- In a dutch oven or large (at least 8 qt) pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic.
- Add rice to post and cook, stirring frequently (about 3-5 minutes) or until edges of rice are translucent.
- Pour in the wine and continue to stir until absorbed (about 3 minutes). Add 4-5 cups of chicken broth, reduce to a simmer, cover pot and stir occasionally until fully absorbed (about 15 minutes).
- Add remaining broth, salt, and pepper. Stir gently. Risotto should be creamy. Sprinkle on parmesan and stir until incorporated. Add additional chicken broth if you want a looser consistency.
- Garnish with chopped chives or basil. Add additional parmesan, salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
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