This creamy Parmesan Risotto comes together in about 20 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, or use it as a clean out the fridge meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, you’ve got to try this!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Arborio Rice
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Risotto
All right, let’s get cooking! Trust me, it’s way easier than you might think!
Warm Up the Broth (2-3 minutes) In a saucepan, heat your chicken or vegetable broth over low heat so it stays warm while we work on the risotto. This step is crucial; you want it warm when you add it to the rice!
Sauté the Aromatics (3-4 minutes) In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and let it sauté until it’s translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Garlic gets bitter, trust me on this one.
Toast the Rice (1-2 minutes) Now, add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Let it toast for about 1-2 minutes while you stir frequently. You’ll see the edges of the rice becoming slightly translucent, a sign it’s ready for the next step.
Add the Warm Broth (18-20 minutes total) Slowly start adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time. Stir continuously and let the liquid get mostly absorbed before adding more. You want to keep this dish creamy, and that means a bit of stirring. Seriously, it’s the workout of the week!
Create Creaminess (18-20 minutes) Keep adding the broth and stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes total. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender but still has a little bite! Plus, the color will look beautiful, shiny and inviting.
Finish with Parmesan (2 minutes) Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ohhhhh, the smell is incredible! Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Stir, stir, stir until everything is combined and beautifully creamy.
Serve Up (1 minute) Plate the risotto hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your comforting, creamy creation!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when it’s a chaotic weekday and I want to create something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Creamy Parmesan Risotto is comfort food at its finest; it has just the right balance of richness and creaminess. I’m a real sucker for meals that feel like a hug wrapped in a blanket! Plus, the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. It’s so versatile, which makes it not only a favorite but also a lifesaver during busy weeks.
If you loved this risotto, be sure to check out my Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Risotto, my Three Cheese Risotto, or my Gordon Ramsay Mushroom Risotto!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This risotto comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, if you can spare half an hour, then you can definitely whip up this creamy masterpiece. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress your family without too much prep.
One Pot
Cleanup is minimal because everything is done in the same skillet! Coming up on a busy night? You’ll love this aspect, fewer pans to wash!
Crowd-Pleaser
Everyone can enjoy this risotto. Kids love its creamy texture, and adults appreciate the rich flavor. It’s a guaranteed win at the dinner table, and trust me; there will be no leftovers!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have. Feel like adding some peas? Go for it! Want to toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables? Be my guest! This dish can be your blank canvas in the kitchen.
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor! Risotto is pure comfort in a bowl, and the Parmesan really makes it sing. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about the creamy texture, nothing compares!
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this creamy risotto as a main dish or alongside your favorite protein, grilled chicken or seared shrimp work wonders! Fancy a touch of Italian flair? Pair it with some crusty garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
How Long It Keeps
Creamy Parmesan Risotto is best when served fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (if!), they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just add a splash of broth or water to the skillet and warm it over low heat while stirring. It’ll bring back the creaminess! Avoid the microwave if you can, it tends to dry things out.
Freezer Friendly?
Risotto doesn’t freeze well because it may become grainy and mushy when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh, but it’ll totally disappear before you have the chance to freeze any anyway!
Food really brings people together, doesn’t it? I hope this Creamy Parmesan Risotto finds a special place at your dinner table, just as it has in mine! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Creamy Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, heat your chicken or vegetable broth over low heat to keep it warm.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until liquid is absorbed.
- Continue adding broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the risotto hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your comforting, creamy creation!