Creamy mushroom risotto makes a great meal for new cooks. This dish uses simple items from your kitchen. It turns out rich and smooth every time. Follow these steps to make it at home. You need about 45 minutes total.
What You Need
Gather these items before you start. This recipe serves four people.
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms, like cremini or button, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or use more broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for topping, chopped
How to Make It Step by Step
Heat the broth in a pot. Keep it warm on low heat. This helps the rice cook right.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute more.
Add half the mushrooms. Cook until they brown, about 8 minutes. Stir now and then.
Push items to the side. Add the rice. Stir for 2 minutes to toast it.
Pour in the wine. Stir until it soaks in. This takes about 2 minutes.
Add one cup of warm broth. Stir until the rice takes it in. Keep adding broth one half cup at a time. Stir each time until gone. Do this for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should feel firm but not hard.
In a small pan, cook the rest of the mushrooms in butter until golden. Set them aside.
Turn off the heat. Mix in the cheese and a bit of butter. Add salt and pepper.
Serve in bowls. Top with the extra mushrooms and parsley.
Tips for First-Time Cooks
Use Arborio rice. It releases starch for that smooth feel.
Keep broth hot. Cold broth makes cooking take longer.
Stir often but not all the time. Check the rice bite to know when done.
Brown mushrooms well. This adds taste.
If too thick, add a splash of broth before you serve.
Try different mushrooms. Mix cremini and shiitake for more flavor.
For a vegan version, skip cheese and use plant-based butter.
Ways to Change It Up
Add cooked chicken at the end for protein.
Use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.
Swap wine with lemon juice mixed in broth for no alcohol.
Stir in spinach or peas in the last few minutes for color.
Link to our authentic Italian pasta sauce recipe for a side idea.
Common Questions Answered
How do I know when the rice is ready? Taste it. It should be soft with a slight bite.
Can I make this ahead? Yes, but add liquid when you heat it up. It thickens in the fridge.
What if I lack white wine? Use broth with a bit of vinegar or lemon.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, if you check the broth label.
How many calories per serving? About 400, with 50 grams carbs, 10 grams protein, and 15 grams fat.
What mushrooms work best? Cremini or button are easy to find and taste good.
Can I use brown rice? It works but takes longer and stays firmer.
For more quick meals, check our easy chicken alfredo recipe.
What to Pair With It
Serve with a green salad.
Add bread on the side.
Try roasted vegetables.
For dessert, make our no-bake cheesecake in a jar.
Drink white wine or water with lemon.
