Name: Broccoli and Cheese Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups chicken broth (Warm before adding to the rice.); 1 cup Arborio rice (This short-grain rice is key for creaminess.); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (Can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil.); 2 cups broccoli (Fresh or frozen, chopped into small pieces.); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar is recommended.); 1/2 teaspoon paprika (Optional for garnish.)

This creamy Broccoli and Cheese Risotto comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight meal that your family will absolutely love! Switch up the cheese or toss in leftover veggies to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends you’ve been meaning to use up. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises tons of flavor and comforting goodness!

Ingredient Breakdown

Butter
Arborio Rice
Chicken Broth
Broccoli
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Paprika (Optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Cook the Broccoli: Start by cooking the broccoli either in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, toss the chopped broccoli into a medium-sized bowl and add about 3 or 4 tablespoons of water. Cover it with a plate and pop it into the microwave for about 4 minutes until it’s nice and tender. Drain the water and set it aside. If you prefer cooking it stovetop, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Chop it finely if you like, but I usually stick to the tree tops for the prettiest look!
Warm the Chicken Broth: Pour about 3 cups of chicken broth into a small saucepan and put it on low heat to warm up. We want it warm, not boiling, to keep a nice steady temperature when we start adding it to our rice.
Toast the Arborio Rice: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s shimmering and absolutely fragrant. You’ll want to add in the arborio rice and stir it around for about 3 minutes, letting it toast up a bit in that buttery goodness.
Add the Chicken Broth: Stir in the first cup of warm chicken broth and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally until almost all of that liquid is gone. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start smelling all the deliciousness.
Repeat with More Broth: Now, add the second cup of chicken broth and again, let it reduce until almost gone. Keep stirring occasionally, because we want that perfectly creamy risotto texture. Still with me? Good!
Final Additions: For the last cup of broth, stir it in and just before all the liquid disappears, add in the tender broccoli. Stir it in until well combined, and then it’s time to turn off the heat.
Cheesy Goodness: Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the risotto. It should be creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of cheesy perfection!
Serve Hot: Dish up your risotto hot, and if you’d like, give it a sprinkle of paprika on top for a splash of color and a tiny kick of flavor. Time to dig in!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Broccoli and Cheese Risotto is my go-to recipe when I need a warm hug in a bowl! I’m a real sucker for creamy comfort food, and this dish checks all the boxes. It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with broccoli goodness, making it a family favorite that disappears quickly at the dinner table. And the best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Leftover chicken? Toss it in. Almost-empty fridge? Perfect! This recipe adapts so easily, making it a staple in my meal rotation.

If you loved this Broccoli and Cheese Risotto, be sure to check out my One Pan Boursin Chicken Risotto, my Ina Garten Baked Risotto, or my Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together all in under 30 minutes! Seriously, you can whip this up on those hectic weeknights when everyone is barking for food.

One Pot Wonder

With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze! Less time washing dishes means more quality time with the family, what’s not to love?

Customizable

Not a fan of broccoli? No worries! You can easily swap in peas, spinach, or any leftover veggies you have lying around. This risotto is all about utilizing what you have, making it perfect for experimenting!

Budget-Friendly

The ingredients are affordable and easy to find. So, while your wallet stays pretty happy, you can serve up a delicious meal that feels fancy without the fancy price tag!

Crowd-Pleaser

Honestly, the entire family loves this! Whether you have picky eaters at the table or kids that can’t get enough cheese, this risotto is a surefire hit.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lovely risotto with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You could even pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re looking to amp up the protein!

How Long It Keeps

This risotto will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before popping it in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, pop it in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat it slowly in a pan over low heat, stirring often to ensure that it warms evenly.

Freezer Friendly?

While risotto is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat with a little added broth for that creamy texture again.

There you have it! A warm, easy peasy Broccoli and Cheese Risotto recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to impress the whole family. So, grab your ingredients and let’s cook up some comfort food filled with love! Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.