This Easy Parmesan Risotto is a simple and traditional risotto recipe that's done in 30 minutes. This creamy rice dish is simple but packed with so much flavor.
Recipe Inspiration
Risotto is a creamy Northern Italian rice dish. It's made from constant stirring of arborio rice in warm broth. The end result is a creamy consistency and rich flavor that is SO good.
This version is as simple as it gets. It has a creamy texture and delicious taste.
I like this risotto as a base to top with grilled chicken or roasted veggies. I love topping mine simply with lemon zest and good quality olive oil for restaurant quality risotto.
Risotto is a great option to feed a crowd because you know it will fill everyone up. It also keeps well and is great for leftovers!
If you're looking for more main dish recipes, check out our Chicken Limone, Spaghetti Bolognese, Artichoke Risotto, and Filet Medallion recipes.
For more risotto recipes, check out our: Butternut Squash Risotto, Bacon and Mushroom Risotto, and Artichoke Risotto.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Delicious - This delicious parmesan risotto is the perfect side dish. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!
- Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe.
- Easy - This dish looks like it came from the kitchen of a restaurant, but is so easy to make!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy risotto recipe:
- Unsalted Butter
- Arborio Rice - The best rice type of white rice for making risotto. You can find this at most grocery stores.
- Chicken Stock - you can also use vegetable stock if vegetarian. You can also use broth.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese - plus more for serving!
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garnish - I love garnishing with fresh time, basil, lemon zest, and a glug of extra virgin olive oil.
Directions
Let's make this creamy risotto recipe together!
Step 1
Melt butter in a large pot, large skillet, or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.
Step 2
Add 1 ½ cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
When liquid is reduced, add another cup of stock to the pot. Continue to stir until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Repeat the process three times, using all 5 ½ cups of stock.
Step 4
As the last cup of stock simmers down, reduce heat to low. Add in parmesan, salt, and pepper and remove from heat. Stir well. Top with additional parmesan cheese. Serve with fresh thyme or basil and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this basic parmesan risotto recipe perfect.
- Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with an arugula salad and a glass of white wine! Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or any other white wine would pair well with this dish.
- Utilize Leftovers - Use leftover risotto to make arancini, which are fried risotto balls!
- Keep It Simple - The beauty about this risotto recipe is that it's simple, easy, and delicious. It's great on it's own as a side dish or topped with protein as a main course.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this classic parmesan risotto recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large Skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room to make the risotto.
- Pasta Bowl - I love serving pasta in good quality pasta bowls. They're perfect for a variety of dishes, so they're super versatile!
- Arborio Rice - If you can't find this short grain rice in your grocery store, check out this brand and order online. It's one of my favorites!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy creamy parmesan risotto recipe.
- Grain Variation - Did you know you can make risotto with just about any rice? Although we recommend using arborio rice, you can use brown rice or white rice to make risotto.
- Toppings - Top risotto with roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, olive oil, grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. There are so many possibilities!
- Stock Substitution - I like using chicken stock to add flavor to the risotto, but you can use vegetable stock, or chicken or vegetable broth in this recipe.
What To Serve With
Here are some easy recipes to serve this recipe with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Risotto is a rice dish made from a short grain Italian rice called Arborio Rice. This rice originated in the Northern Region of Italy and has high starch levels that make it perfect to thicken in hot stock to make risotto.
Orzo and risotto are not the same. Orzo is a wheat pasta and risotto is a rice dish made from short grain Italian rice.
Parmesan, pecorino romano, ricotta, mascarpone, and gruyere are all great cheese options to add to a risotto dish.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Easy Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 5 ½ cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme or basil for serving
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add 1 ½ cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until almost all of the liquid is absorbed.
- When liquid is reduced, add another cup of stock to the pot. Continue to stir until most of the liquid is absorbed. Repeat the process three times, using all 5 ½ cups of stock.
- As the last cup of stock simmers down, reduce heat to low. Add in parmesan, salt, and pepper and remove from heat. Serve with fresh thyme or basil and enjoy!
Did You Make This Recipe?
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